Peptide compositions and methods for ameliorating skin laxity and body contour

ABSTRACT

Compositions and methods for amelioration of skin laxity and body contour are provided. Provided herein are compositions comprising a combination of peptides.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/053,674filed Aug. 2, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/696,256 filed on Jul. 10, 2018; U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/541,036 filed on Aug. 3, 2017; and U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/541,022 filed on Aug. 3, 2017,each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has beensubmitted electronically in ASCII format and is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, created on Sep. 11, 2019, isnamed 53936-702_401_SL.txt and is 2,745 bytes in size.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Compositions and methods for amelioration of skin laxity are provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Traditional and conventional skincare treatments for alleviating thesenegative side effects have primarily relied upon a variety of commonover the counter remedies. The need for treatments effective atameliorating skin laxity associated with body shaping and contouringprocedures is also rapidly growing.

SUMMARY

Compositions and methods for ameliorating skin laxity associated withbody sculpting procedures are provided herein. These compositionspreferably comprise two different peptides: a dipeptide, tripeptide, ortetrapeptide in combination with a pentapeptide, hexapeptide orheptapeptide. Methods are also provided for producing and using thecompositions.

An aspect described herein is a topical composition for improving skinlaxity or body contouring, comprising: one or more tripeptides, one ormore tetrapeptides, and one or more hexapeptides, wherein the topicalcomposition improves skin laxity or body contouring. In one feature, atripeptide of the one or more tripeptides is present at 1-10 ppm. In onefeature, a tripeptide of the one or more tripeptides is tripeptide-1. Inone feature, the tripeptide-1 comprises palmitoyl tripeptide-1,myristoyl tripeptide-1, or a combination thereof. In one feature, atetrapeptide of the one or more tetrapeptides is present at 1-10 ppm. Inone feature, a tetrapeptide of the one or more tetrapeptides istetrapeptide-2. In one feature, the tetrapeptide-2 comprises acetyltetrapeptide-2. In one feature, wherein a first hexapeptide of the oneor more hexapeptides is present at 0.5-10 ppm. In one feature, a firsthexapeptide of the one or more hexapeptides is hexapeptide-12. In onefeature, the hexapeptide-12 comprises palmitoyl hexapeptide-12,myristoyl hexapeptide-12, or a combination thereof. In one feature, asecond hexapeptide of the one or more hexapeptides comprises a differentamino acid sequence. In one feature, the second hexapeptide is presentat 0.001-1 ppm. In one feature, the second hexapeptide ishexapeptide-11. In one feature, the second hexapeptide is formulated ina liposome. In one feature, the topical composition further comprisesceramide NP, Tremella fuciformis extract, niacinamide, hydrogenatedlecithin, C12-16 alcohols, palmitic acid, avocado extract, shea butter,bentonite, phytoene/phytofluene, hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone,polyholosides, Plantago lanceolata, dill extract, phosphatidylserine,oleuropein, hydrolyzed Candida saitoana extract, Centella asiatica,propanediol, lecithin, Euglena gracilis extract, aqua, caffeine,Glaucium flavum leaf extract, or combinations thereof.

An aspect described herein is a method for improving skin laxity or bodycontouring, comprising: administering a topical composition comprisingone or more tripeptides, one or more tetrapeptides, and one or morehexapeptides, wherein the topical composition improves skin laxity orbody contouring. In one feature, the topical composition is administeredin conjunction with a body-shaping procedure. In one feature, thetopical composition is administered following a body-shaping procedure.In one feature, the topical composition is administered up to one dayfollowing a body-shaping procedure. In one feature, the body-shapingprocedure comprises high frequency focused ultrasound, pulsed focusultrasound, cryolipolysis, radiofrequency induced electroporation,injectable lipolytic agents, liposuction, or combinations thereof. Inone feature, the topical composition is administered in conjunction witha skin-laxity procedure. In one feature, the topical composition isadministered following a skin-laxity procedure. In one feature, thetopical composition is administered up to one day following askin-laxity procedure. In one feature, the skin-laxity procedurecomprises high frequency focused ultrasound, pulsed focus ultrasound,radiofrequency induced electroporation, or combinations thereof. In onefeature, the topical composition is administered in conjunction with anon-invasive fat reduction procedure. In one feature, the topicalcomposition is administered following a non-invasive fat reductionprocedure. In one feature, the non-invasive fat reduction procedurecomprises low level laser therapy, infrared light, ultrasound,radiofrequency, cryolipolysis, or combinations thereof. In one feature,the topical composition is administered one, two three, four, five, orsix times a day. In one feature, the topical composition is administeredtwo times a day. In one feature, the topical composition is administeredfor at least one week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, or 12 weeks. In onefeature, a tripeptide of the one or more tripeptides is present at 1-10ppm. In one feature, a tripeptide of the one or more tripeptides istripeptide-1. In one feature, the tripeptide-1 comprises palmitoyltripeptide-1, myristoyl tripeptide-1, or a combination thereof. In onefeature, a tetrapeptide of the one or more tetrapeptides is present at1-10 ppm. In one feature, a tetrapeptide of the one or moretetrapeptides is tetrapeptide-2. In one feature, the tetrapeptide-2comprises acetyl tetrapeptide-2. In one feature, a first hexapeptide ofthe one or more hexapeptides is present at 0.5-10 ppm. In one feature, afirst hexapeptide of the one or more hexapeptides hexapeptide ishexapeptide-12. In one feature, the hexapeptide-12 comprises palmitoylhexapeptide-12, myristoyl hexapeptide-12, or a combination thereof. Inone feature, a second hexapeptide of the one or more hexapeptidescomprises a different amino acid sequence. In one feature, the secondhexapeptide is present at 0.001-1 ppm. In one feature, the secondhexapeptide is hexapeptide-11. In one feature, the second hexapeptide isformulated in a liposome. In one feature, the topical compositionfurther comprises ceramide NP, Tremella fuciformis extract, niacinamide,hydrogenated lecithin, C12-16 alcohols, palmitic acid, avocado extract,shea butter, bentonite, phytoene/phytofluene, hydroxymethoxyphenyldecanone, polyholosides, Plantago lanceolata, dill extract,phosphatidylserine, oleuropein, hydrolyzed Candida saitoana extract,Centella asiatica, propanediol, lecithin, Euglena gracilis extract,aqua, caffeine, Glaucium flavum leaf extract, or combinations thereof.

Any of the features of an embodiment of any of the aspects is applicableto all other aspects and embodiments identified herein. Moreover, any ofthe features of an embodiment of any of the aspects is independentlycombinable, partly or wholly with other embodiments described herein inany way, e.g., one, two, or three or more embodiments may be combinablein whole or in part. Further, any of the features of an embodiment ofany of the aspects may be made optional to other aspects or embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed incolor. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and paymentof the necessary fee.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of the mechanism of action fornon-invasive fat reduction.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic of elastin stimulation where formulationsdescribed herein result in an increase in production of elastincomponents and cross-linkages of the elastin components.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic of autophagy (lipophagy).

FIG. 4 illustrates images of macrophage clustering. The panel on theleft illustrates free-floating co-cultured adipocytes and macrophages.The panel in the middle illustrates addition of TNF-alpha on adipocytedroplet breakdown and macrophage clustering. The panel on the rightillustrates peptide addition on adipocyte droplet breakdown andmacrophage clustering.

FIG. 5A illustrates number of macrophages when adipocytes were untreated(white bars, first bar from the left of the group of bars 501), treatedwith TNF-alpha (red bars, second bar from the left of the group of bars503), treated with TNF-alpha and peptide (blue bars, third bard from theleft of the group of bars 505), and pre-treated with peptide followed byTNF-alpha treatment (darker blue bars, fourth bar from the left of thegroup of bars 507).

FIGS. 5B-5C illustrate data of FIG. 5A with number ofmacrophage/adipocyte grouped together.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate images of arms pre- and post-treatment usingtopical regenerating body complex product.

FIG. 7A shows a VVG stain at baseline at 10× magnification and azoomed-in image.

FIG. 7B shows a VVG stain after 12 weeks of application of ExemplaryFormula 1L at 10× magnification and a zoomed-in image.

FIG. 7C shows an H&E stain at baseline at 20× magnification and azoomed-in image.

FIG. 7D shows an H&E stain after twelve weeks of application ofExemplary Formula 1L at 20× magnification and a zoomed-in image.

FIG. 8A shows images of a neck of a first female subject following atreatment regimen at baseline and following 16 weeks of treatment.

FIG. 8B shows images of a neck using a red channel of a first femalesubject following a treatment regimen at baseline and following 16 weeksof treatment.

FIG. 8C shows images of a neck using a red channel of a first femalesubject at baseline and following 8 weeks of treatment.

FIG. 8D shows images of a neck using a red channel of a first femalesubject at baseline and following 12 weeks of treatment.

FIG. 9 shows images of a neck of a second female subject at baseline andfollowing 16 weeks of treatment.

FIG. 10 shows images of a neck of a third female subject at baseline andfollowing 3 months of treatment.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic for preparation of liposomes.

FIG. 12 shows an image of a liposome.

FIG. 13 shows images taken using imaging techniques as described herein.

FIGS. 14A-14D show graphs of arm contour and arm shape of subjects thatunderwent cryolipolysis and treated with regenerating body complex andcontrol.

FIGS. 15A-15C show images of an abdomen of a patient treated withradiofrequency followed by regenerating body complex.

FIGS. 16A-16C show images of an abdomen of a patient treated withcryolipolysis followed by regenerating body complex.

FIG. 17 shows an image of an abdomen and flanking region of a subjecttreated with a body sculpting device followed by regenerating bodycomplex 9 weeks post-procedure.

FIG. 18 shows an image of an abdomen of a subject treated withcryolipolysis followed by regenerating body complex 11 weekspost-procedure.

FIG. 19 shows an image of an abdomen and flanking region of a subjecttreated with a body sculpting device followed by regenerating bodycomplex 5 weeks post-procedure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and examples illustrate a preferred embodimentof the present disclosure in detail. Those of skill in the art willrecognize that there are numerous variations and modifications of thisdisclosure that are encompassed by its scope. Accordingly, thedescription of a preferred embodiment should not be deemed to limit thescope of the present disclosure.

Definitions

The terms “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” and “a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof” as used herein are broad terms, and are to begiven their ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skillin the art (and are not to be limited to a special or customizedmeaning), and refer without limitation to salts prepared frompharmaceutically acceptable, non-toxic acids or bases. Suitablepharmaceutically acceptable salts include metallic salts, e.g., salts ofaluminum, zinc, alkali metal salts such as lithium, sodium, andpotassium salts, alkaline earth metal salts such as calcium andmagnesium salts; organic salts, e.g., salts of lysine,N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine, chloroprocaine, choline, diethanolamine,ethylenediamine, meglumine (N-methylglucamine), procaine, and tris;salts of free acids and bases; inorganic salts, e.g., sulfate,hydrochloride, and hydrobromide; and other salts which are currently inwidespread pharmaceutical use and are listed in sources well known tothose of skill in the art, such as, for example, The Merck Index. Anysuitable constituent can be selected to make a salt of the therapeuticagents discussed herein, provided that it is non-toxic and does notsubstantially interfere with the desired activity. In addition to salts,pharmaceutically acceptable precursors and derivatives of the compoundscan be employed. Pharmaceutically acceptable amides, lower alkyl esters,and protected derivatives can also be suitable for use in compositionsand methods of preferred embodiments. While it may be possible toadminister the compounds of the preferred embodiments in the form ofpharmaceutically acceptable salts, it is generally preferred toadminister the compounds in neutral form.

It is understood that, in any compound described herein having one ormore chiral centers, if an absolute stereochemistry is not expresslyindicated, then each center may independently be of R-configuration orS-configuration or a mixture thereof. Thus, the compounds providedherein may be enantiomerically pure, enantiomerically enriched, racemicmixture, diastereomerically pure, diastereomerically enriched, or astereoisomeric mixture. In addition it is understood that, in anycompound described herein having one or more double bond(s) generatinggeometrical isomers that can be defined as E or Z, each double bond mayindependently be E or Z a mixture thereof.

Likewise, it is understood that, in any compound described, alltautomeric forms are also intended to be included. For example alltautomers of phosphate groups are intended to be included. Furthermore,all tautomers of heterocyclic bases known in the art are intended to beincluded, including tautomers of natural and non-natural purine-basesand pyrimidine-bases.

It is to be understood that where compounds disclosed herein haveunfilled valencies, then the valencies are to be filled with hydrogensor isotopes thereof, e.g., hydrogen-1 (protium) and hydrogen-2(deuterium).

It is understood that the compounds described herein can be labeledisotopically. Substitution with isotopes such as deuterium may affordcertain therapeutic advantages resulting from greater metabolicstability, such as, for example, increased in vivo half-life or reduceddosage requirements. Each chemical element as represented in a compoundstructure may include any isotope of said element. For example, in acompound structure a hydrogen atom may be explicitly disclosed orunderstood to be present in the compound. At any position of thecompound that a hydrogen atom may be present, the hydrogen atom can beany isotope of hydrogen, including but not limited to hydrogen-1(protium) and hydrogen-2 (deuterium). Thus, reference herein to acompound encompasses all potential isotopic forms unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise.

It is understood that the methods and combinations described hereininclude crystalline forms (also known as polymorphs, which include thedifferent crystal packing arrangements of the same elemental compositionof a compound), amorphous phases, salts, solvates, and hydrates. In someembodiments, the compounds described herein exist in solvated forms withpharmaceutically acceptable solvents such as water, ethanol, or thelike. In other embodiments, the compounds described herein exist inunsolvated form. Solvates contain either stoichiometric ornon-stoichiometric amounts of a solvent, and may be formed during theprocess of crystallization with pharmaceutically acceptable solventssuch as water, ethanol, or the like. Hydrates are formed when thesolvent is water, or alcoholates are formed when the solvent is alcohol.In addition, the compounds provided herein can exist in unsolvated aswell as solvated forms. In general, the solvated forms are consideredequivalent to the unsolvated forms for the purposes of the compounds andmethods provided herein.

Overview

Skin laxity is a natural progressive phenomenon associated with aging.Minimally invasive tightening procedures directed at subdermal tissuesor directly at superficial layers of the skin have increaseddramatically in the last few years. In addition, other devices targetingdeeper fatty tissue may result in relative skin laxity.

In addition, many of these non-invasive/semi-invasive procedures aimedat denaturing and breaking down fatty tissue, leave residual fragmentsof proteins, cells and debris within the extra cellular matrix (ECM) andintracellularly. In addition, released free fatty acids can be cytotoxicto surrounding cells. These fragments may delay healing and regenerationand would benefit from an efficient recycling program in the form ofautophagy and intracellular proteasome activity.

Thus, overall body shaping techniques can benefit greatly from a topicalskin application that could complement the skin tightening proceduresstimulating neocollagenesis and neoelastogenesis, aid in eliminatingpost-surgical and non-surgical fragmentation and provide relief fromprocedural side-effects. In addition, tightening of the relatively laxskin that remains following certain procedures, would be of greatbenefit.

At a microscopic level, aging skin laxity appears to be related todisorderly dysfunctional collagen and elastin, inefficient senescentfibroblasts with decreased production of collagen and elastin, anddecreased glycosaminoglycans in the dermal layer.

Many of the current devices utilized for the indications described aboveuse non-invasive radiofrequency (RF)-based technology (hot) orcryo-based technologies (cold). RF technology involves electric energyrather than photo-energy, often utilizing skin sparing techniques orinsulated needles where these are utilized and thus the epidermis islargely unaffected and untargeted in these situations. Topicalformulations which tighten skin would be major complementary adjuncts tosuch procedures enhancing the overall outcome.

Furthermore, non-invasive fat elimination devices based on ‘cold’ or‘hot’ technologies rely on long term apoptosis of adipocytes withgradual absorption and digestion of lipid droplets and fat cellularcomponents. These lipid fragments may consist of free fatty acids andcellular organelles, some of which may be toxic to surrounding cellulartissue. In addition, it is possible that these fragments initiateregeneration of fat in a certain proportion of patients resulting in acondition known as ‘Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia’. Promotion ofaccelerated digestion of these fragments is thus advantageous. Autophagyis a process of self-degradation of cellular components activated inresponse to cellular stress. It is important not only for balancingenergy sources in development or in response to cellular stress but alsofor removing misfolded/aggregated proteins, damaged organelles andpathogens. The formulations described herein are useful for acceleratingor enhancing the lipolysis process.

Thus a formulation of ingredients that provides for accelerateddigestion of cellular fragments, stimulates elastin, collagen andglycosaminoglycan synthesis, and provides symptomatic relief fromswelling and painful subcutaneous scar tissue, would be a desirablepartner for non-invasive body contouring devices.

Formulations

The formulation includes components selected to provide activity inselected areas.

Stimulation of autophagy, accelerated digestion of cellular fragments,reverse cellular senescence (wake up sleeping dormant fibroblasts toproduce new collagen and elastin and build ECM), thereby improving toneand texture of skin

Hexapeptide-11 is a potent stimulator of autophagy, promotes dose andtime-dependent activation of proteasome, autophagy, chaperones andantioxidant responses related genes. Hydrolyzed Candida saitoana extractstimulates autophagy, favors formation of lysosomes, purified α-glucanactive ingredient, detoxifies cells by removing altered cell components(oxidized proteins and peroxidized lipids) and blocks the accumulationof lipofuscin aggregates. Plantago lanceolata, also called “Plantain,”is involved in microRNAs inhibition, restarts the protein synthesis inorder to prevent cellular senescence and extracellular matrix breakdown.Oleuropein is anti-inflammatory but also stimulates UPS system andautophagy digesting worn out proteins in the cells, reversing cellularsenescence.

With respect to hexapeptide-11, age-related gradual accumulation ordevice related sudden accumulation of damaged biomolecules (includingproteins) can compromise cellular homeodynamics as they result infailure of most cellular maintenance pathways. To maintain proteostasis(protein balance) cells have developed a modular, yet integrated systemwhich ensures general proteome quality control and it is called theproteostasis network (PN). See, e.g., Sklirou A D, Ralli M, Dominguez M,Papassideri I, Skaltsounis A L, Trougakos I P. Hexapeptide-11 is a novelmodulator of the proteostasis network in human diploid fibroblasts.Redox Biol 2015; 5: 205-15. This responds to conditions of proteotoxicstress by rescuing or degrading unfolded, misfolded or non-nativepolypeptides. Central to the PN functionality are the two mainproteolytic systems namely the autophagy lysosome (ALS) and theubiquitin-proteasome (UPS) systems. Hexapeptide-11 promotes activationof proteasome, autophagy, chaperones and antioxidant responses relatedgenes. This stimulation of autophagy is also important in thetransformation of monocytes to macrophages enabling engulfment digestionof extracellular fragments. See, e.g., Zhang Y, Morgan M J, Chen K,Choksi S, Liu Z G. Induction of autophagy is essential formonocyte-macrophage differentiation. Blood 2012; 119(12): 2895-905.Moreover, it confers significant cellular protection againstoxidative-stress-mediated premature cellular senescence. Finally,Hexapeptide-11 was found to induce the activity of extracellular MMP 2and it also suppressed cell migration. These findings indicate thatHexapeptide-11 is a promising anti-ageing agent and a potent inducer ofcellular fragment digestion.

In some embodiments, compositions described herein comprisehexapeptide-11. In some embodiments, compositions described herein, uponadministering to a skin region of interest, induces an increase inexpression of AMBRA1, ATG4A, PSMB5, CASP3, ATG5, or a combinationthereof in the skin region. In some embodiments, compositions describedherein, upon administering to a skin region of interest, induces anincrease in expression of AMBRA1, ATG4A, PSMB5, CASP3, ATG5, or acombination thereof in the skin region by at least or about 10%, 15%,20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, or more than 95%. In some embodiments, compositions describedherein, upon administering to a skin region of interest, induces anincrease in expression of AMBRA1, ATG4A, PSMB5, CASP3, ATG5, or acombination thereof in the skin region by at least or about 0.5-fold,1.0-fold, 1.5-fold, 2.0-fold, 2.5-fold, 3.0-fold, 3.5-fold, 4.0-fold,5.0-fold, 6.0-fold, 7.0-fold, 8.0-fold, 9.0-fold, 10-fold, or more than10-fold. In some embodiments, compositions described herein, uponadministering to a skin region of interest, induces a decrease inexpression of COL5A2, MAPK14, TNF, SOD3, PDGFRA, IGF1, or a combinationthereof in the skin region. In some embodiments, compositions describedherein, upon administering to a skin region of interest, induces adecrease in expression of COL5A2, MAPK14, TNF, SOD3, PDGFRA, IGF1, or acombination thereof in the skin region by at least or about 10%, 15%,20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, or more than 95%. In some embodiments, compositions describedherein, upon administering to a skin region of interest, induces adecrease in expression of COL5A2, MAPK14, TNF, SOD3, PDGFRA, IGF1, or acombination thereof in the skin region by at least or about 0.5-fold,1.0-fold, 1.5-fold, 2.0-fold, 2.5-fold, 3.0-fold, 3.5-fold, 4.0-fold,5.0-fold, 6.0-fold, 7.0-fold, 8.0-fold, 9.0-fold, 10-fold, or more than10-fold.

With respect to hydrolyzed Candida saitoana extract, in order tomaintain their homeostasis, cells eliminate various accumulated anddegraded components. Autophagy, which was recently discovered in skin,stands out today as a powerful mechanism, essential for detoxifyingcells and guaranteeing their proper functioning, thereby limiting thesenescence. This extract is a purified α-glucan active ingredient, whichdetoxifies cells by removing altered cell components (oxidized proteinsand peroxidized lipids) that saturate them and blocks the accumulationof lipofuscin aggregates, a true marker of aging. See Product monograph:Silab 2013.

In some embodiments, formulations as described herein comprisehydrolyzed Candida saitoana extract. In some embodiments, the hydrolyzedCandida saitoana extract is provided at least or about 0.05%, 0.10%,0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%,5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 8%, 9%, 10%, or more than 10% by weight(wt.) In some embodiments, the hydrolyzed Candida saitoana extract isprovided in a range of about 0.25% to about 10%, about 0.5% to about 8%,about 0.75% to about 6%, or about 1% to about 4% by weight. In someembodiments, the hydrolyzed Candida saitoana extract is provided atabout 3.0% by weight.

With respect to Plantago lanceolata, it inhibits micro RNA inhibition offibroblast function, reversing cellular senescence, thus increasingcollagen, laminin, elastin and decreasing MMP-1. See Kovac I, Durkac J,Holly M, et al. Plantago lanceolata L. water extract induces transitionof fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and increases tensile strength ofhealing skin wounds. J Pharm Pharmacol 2015; 67(1): 117-25, and DebackerA, Lavaissière L, Ringenbach C, Mondon P, Dal Toso R. ControllingMicroRNAs to Fight Skin Senescence. Cosmetics & Toiletries 2016; Feb. 4,2016: 1-6. Small endogenous noncoding RNAs named microRNA (miRNA) bindto partially complementary sequences of their target messenger RNA(mRNA) and repress or degrade the mRNA, which cause gene inactivation orgene silencing. It appears that collagen I, Collagen IV and elastin arepartially controlled by several microRNAs, and when these microRNAs arelimited, it helps to boost collagen and elastin synthesis to improve thequality of the dermis. Plantago lanceolata extract was found to reducethe levels of expression of miRNAs controlling the synthesis ofcollagens and elastin increasing their production and reducing thefibroblast progression toward senescence. Additional in vivo studiesdemonstrated increased viscoelastic properties with increases infirmness of 30.9% and elasticity of 22.6%, after one month of productapplication (p<0.01) to the skin.

In some embodiments, formulations as described herein comprise Plantagolanceolata. In some embodiments, the Plantago lanceolata is provided atleast or about 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%,2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 8%, 9%, 10%,or more than 10% by weight (wt.) In some embodiments, the Plantagolanceolata is provided in a range of about 0.25% to about 10%, about0.5% to about 8%, about 0.75% to about 6%, or about 1% to about 4% byweight. In some embodiments, the Plantago lanceolata is provided atabout 2.0% by weight.

With respect to oleuropein, it has proven anti-inflammatory effects,enhances proteasome and autophagic activities recycling usedintracellular proteins and reversing cellular senescence. See Katsiki M,Chondrogianni N, Chinou I, Rivett A J, Gonos E S. The olive constituentoleuropein exhibits proteasome stimulatory properties in vitro andconfers life span extension of human embryonic fibroblasts. RejuvenationRes 2007; 10(2): 157-72, and Rigacci S, Miceli C, Nediani C, et al.Oleuropein aglycone induces autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR signallingpathway: a mechanistic insight. Oncotarget 2015; 6(34): 35344-58.

In some embodiments, formulations as described herein compriseoleuropein. In some embodiments, the oleuropein is provided at least orabout 0.001%, 0.005%, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.20%, 0.25%, 0.50%,0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%,6.5%, 7.0%, 8%, 9%, 10%, or more than 10% by weight (wt.) In someembodiments, the oleuropein is provided in a range of about 0.001% toabout 6%, about 0.002% to about 4%, about 0.01% to about 3%, about 0.02%to about 2%, or about 0.01% to about 0.05% by weight. In someembodiments, the oleuropein is provided at about 0.010% by weight. Insome embodiments, the oleuropein is provided at about 0.020% by weight.In some embodiments, the oleuropein is provided at about 0.050% byweight.

Increasing Elastin Production and Functionality; IncreasingLipolysis—Tightening and Lipid Digestion

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 stimulates LOXL1 (Lysyl oxidase like enzyme 1),which cross links elastin components; binds tropoelastin (TE); buildselastin; and increases FBLN5 (Fibulin 5), which binds TE to integrin tofibroblast stimulating fibroblast to produce elastin. PalmitoylTripeptide-1 provides collagen and elastin stimulation, ECM recycling,anti-inflammation, and with Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, an elastin bindingprotein, draws in newly produced elastin. Dill extract (Anethumgraveolens extract) stimulates LOXL reinduction encouraging elastinformation. Avocado extract, shea butter, and bentonite, in someembodiments, provide tightening, elastase inhibition inhibits elastinbreakdown and encourages some fat breakdown and turnover; it also aidsin stretch mark alleviation.

In some embodiments, avocado extract is provided at least or about0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%,1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%,8%, 9%, 10%, or more than 10% by weight (wt.) In some embodiments,avocado extract is provided in a range of about 0.01% to about 5%, about0.02% to about 4%, 0.05% to about 3%, or about 0.1% to about 2% byweight. In some embodiments, shea butter is provided at least or about0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%,1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%,8%, 9%, 10%, or more than 10% by weight (wt.) In some embodiments, sheabutter is provided in a range of about 0.01% to about 5%, about 0.02% toabout 4%, 0.05% to about 3%, or about 0.1% to about 2% by weight. Insome embodiments, bentonite is provided at least or about 0.01%, 0.02%,0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%,3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 8%, 9%, 10%, ormore than 10% by weight (wt.) In some embodiments, bentonite is providedin a range of about 0.01% to about 5%, about 0.02% to about 4%, 0.05% toabout 3%, or about 0.1% to about 2% by weight. In some embodiments,avocado extract, shea butter, and bentonite are provided at least orabout 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%,1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%,7.0%, 8%, 9%, 10%, or more than 10% by weight (wt.) In some embodiments,avocado extract, shea butter, and bentonite are provided in a range ofabout 0.01% to about 5%, about 0.02% to about 4%, 0.05% to about 3%,about 0.1% to about 2%, or about 0.25% to about 2% by weight. In someembodiments, avocado extract, shea butter, and bentonite are provided atabout 0.5% by weight. In some embodiments, avocado extract, shea butter,and bentonite are provided at about 1.0% by weight.

With respect to elastin, it is an assembly of microfibrils andtropoelastin (or soluble elastin). Elastin fibers are formed first bythe synthesis of fibrillin microfibers which intertwine and thenassociate with tropoelastin (TE) protein molecules. TE molecules arebound together and cross linked together with fibrillin fibers by lysyloxidase like enzyme 1 (LOXL1), a key player regulating the assembly ofthese two elements—this complex is then presented to the fibroblast byFibulin 5 (FBLN5) which connects the complex to integrins that connectto the fibroblast. See Ashcroft et al., “Age-related changes in temporaland spatial distributions of fibrillin and elastin mRNAs and proteins inacute cutaneous wounds of healthy humans”, J. Pathology 1997; 183:80-9,Cenizo V, André V, Reymermier C, Sommer P, Damour O, E. P. LOXL as atarget to increase the elastin content in adult skin: a dill extractinduces the LOXL gene expression. Experimental Dermatology 2006; 15:574-81, and Noblesse E, Cenizo V, Bouez C, et al. Lysyl oxidase-like andlysyl oxidase are present in the dermis and epidermis of a skinequivalent and in human skin and are associated to elastic fibers. JInvest Dermatol 2004; 122(3): 621-30.

With respect to acetyl tetrapeptide-2, it increases FBLN5 and LOXL1protein levels, thereby increasing elastin synthesis. It alsoupregulates genes related to Collagen 1 synthesis. In vivo, it has shownto reduce parameters linked to skin flaccidity and dermaldisorganization. See Product monograph: Uplevity™ Lipotec. June 2013.

With respect to TriHex (Palmitoyl tripeptide 1 and Palmitoyl hexapeptide12), it clears the extracellular matrix of aggregated fragmentedcollagen and elastin and then stimulate increased new collagen andelastin production. See Widgerow A D, Fabi S G, Palestine R F, et al.Extracellular Matrix Modulation: Optimizing Skin Care and RejuvenationProcedures. journal of drugs in dermatology 2016; 15(4s): S63-S71, andWidgerow A. TOPICAL SKIN RESTORATION TECHNOLOGY—ADVANCES IN AGEMANAGEMENT STRATEGIES. MODERN AESTHETICS 2016; (May/June): 1-8.

With respect to Anethum graveolens/Dill extract, it produces areinduction of LOXL synthesis. See Cenizo V, André V, Reymermier C,Sommer P, Damour O, E. P. LOXL as a target to increase the elastincontent in adult skin: a dill extract induces the LOXL gene expression.Experimental Dermatology 2006; 15: 574-81. While microfibrils andsoluble elastin continue to be synthesized throughout life, LOXLdramatically decreases from the age of 18. Increased levels of LOXL inthe skin causes the assembly of microfibrils and tropoelastin, leadingto improved mechanical properties of the skin. Elastogenesis mainlyoccurs until the end of the second decade of the life, although theglobal content of skin elastin can increase after that, the nature ofthis elastin protein is often suboptimal and dysfunctional. After thisperiod, the elastin gene and fibrillin-1 gene are still activethroughout the life although elastogenesis becomes low or inefficient.Therefore, elastin and fibrillin-1 themselves are not really the missingtargets to reinduce elastogenesis but LOXL, which declines after thefirst decades of life, has been shown to stimulate elastogenesis andmaintain elastic fibers homeostasis. See Liu X, Zhao Y, Gao J, et al.Elastic fiber homeostasis requires lysyl oxidase-like 1 protein. NatGenet 2004; 36(2): 178-82. Dill extract was shown to increase theexpression of LOXL in fibroblasts and in the skin engineering models andto de novo elastogenesis in vivo.

In some embodiments, formulations as described herein comprise dillextract. In some embodiments, the dill extract is provided at least orabout 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%,3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 8%, 9%, 10%, or morethan 10% by weight (wt.) In some embodiments, the dill extract isprovided in a range of about 0.25% to about 10%, about 0.025% to about4%, about 0.5% to about 8%, about 0.75% to about 6%, or about 1% toabout 4% by weight. In some embodiments, the dill extract is provided atabout 1.0% by weight.

With respect to unroasted shea butter extract and avocado seed extract,they are entrapped in an active multi-lamellar mineral clay (bentonite).In adipocytes, lipolysis naturally occurs to generate energy byhydrolysis of stored triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol whichare then easily released from the cells. See Russell S T, Tisdale M J.Studies on the antiobesity effect of zinc-alpha2-glycoprotein in theob/ob mouse. Int J Obes (Lond) 2011; 35(3): 345-54. This biochemicalreaction is regulated by cAMP which activates the Hormone SensitiveLipase (HSL), the enzyme involved in the hydrolysis. Shea butter extractincreases the cAMP level through a pathway acting on Zincalpha-2-Glycoprotein (ZAG). ZAG is a protein secreted by both adipocytesand keratinocytes—it stimulates cAMP, leading to improvement inlipolysis with a caffeine-like efficacy.

Elastase is a serine protease involved in the degradation of elastinfibers which accelerates loss of dermis density and firmness. SeeAlkemade J, Molhuizen H, Ponec M, et al. SKALP/elafin is an inducibleproteinase inhibitor in human epidermal keratinocytes. Journal of CellScience 1994; 107: 2335-42. Avocado seed extract is able to stimulateSKALP (SKin-derived AntiLeukoProteinase), an elastase inhibitor,inhibiting elastase activity and slowing down the dermis degradationproviding a firmer skin. Silanols contained in the bentonite are knownto regenerate extra cellular matrix (ECM) through increased stimulationof fibroblast growth. Clinical studies have demonstrated that silanolsstimulate the production of collagen and elastin fibers leading toremodeling of the dermal fiber architecture and an overall improvementof the skin surface. See Emami-Razavi S, Esmaeili N, Forouzannia S, etal. EFFECT OF BENTONITE ON SKIN WOUND HEALING: EXPERIMENTAL STUDY IN THERAT MODEL. Acta Medial Iranica 2006; 44(4): 235-40, and Mahmoudi M,Adib-Hajbaghery M, Mashaiekhi M. Comparing the effects of Bentonite &Calendula on the improvement of infantile diaper dermatitis: Arandomized controlled trial. The Indian Journal of Medical Research2015; 142(6): 742-6.

In some embodiments, formulations as described herein comprise Euglenagracilis extract, aqua, caffeine, Glaucium flavum leaf extract, orcombinations thereof. Euglena gracilis extract, aqua, caffeine, andGlaucium flavum leaf extract activate lipolysis, promotes unbinding ofadipocytes from ECM by stimulating proteases, phosphodiesterases. Insome embodiments, these extracts work synergistically to increaselipolysis, stimulate proteases and phosphodiesterase that releaseadipocytes from the ECM encouraging their breakdown and absorption. SeeProduct monograph: sederma phytosonic September 2008. In someembodiments, caffeine improves skin barrier function and improvephotodamage and skin texture. See Brandner J, Behne M, B H, Moll I.Caffeine improves barrier function in male skin. International Journalof Cosmetic Science 2006; 28: 343-7 and Koo S W, Hirakawa S, Fujii S,Kawasumi M, Nghiem P. Protection from photodamage by topical applicationof caffeine after ultraviolet irradiation. Br J Dermatol 2007; 156(5):957-64.

In some embodiments, formulations as described herein comprising Euglenagracilis extract, aqua, caffeine, and Glaucium flavum leaf extract areprovided at least or about 0.001%, 0.002%, 0.005%, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%,0.04%, 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%,3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 8%, 9%, 10%, or morethan 10% by weight (wt.) In some embodiments, the Euglena gracilisextract, aqua, caffeine, and Glaucium flavum leaf extract are providedin a range of about 0.001% to about 6%, about 0.002% to about 4%, about0.01% to about 3%, or about 0.02% to about 2% by weight. In someembodiments, the Euglena gracilis extract, aqua, caffeine, and Glauciumflavum leaf extract are provided at about 0.20% by weight.

Increasing GAGs (Glycosaminoglycans) such as Hyaluronic acid(HA)—Smoothing, Improved Texture and Decreased Crepiness

Hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone is a potent intrinsic hyaluronic acidbooster, antioxidant and anti-irritant. Polyholosides from flax seedsinclude xylose, galactose, arabinose, rhamnose; Xylose, the main pentoseincluded here is the first essential constituent of GAGs andconsequently regulates their synthesis. Phosphatidylserine, a Lipoid,provides MMP1 control, procollagen increase, stimulates HA production.Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a stressed cellular protoplasm yeast extractthat improves fibroblast cellular oxygenation and formation ofprocollagen and stimulates intrinsic HA production.

With respect to hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone, it is a potent hyaluronicacid booster, antioxidant and anti-irritant. It has been demonstrated tostimulate the dermal AND epidermal hyaluronic acid level by 259% and198% versus placebo, respectively in ex vivo human skin model. SeeProduct monograph: Symdecanox, Symrise June 2015.

In some embodiments, formulations as described herein comprisehydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone. In some embodiments, thehydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone is provided at least or about 0.05%,0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%,4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 8%, 9%, 10%, or more than 10% byweight (wt.) In some embodiments, the hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone isprovided in a range of about 0.25% to about 10%, about 0.5% to about 8%,about 0.75% to about 6%, about 1% to about 4%, or about 0.5% to about 2%by weight. In some embodiments, the hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone isprovided at about 1.0% by weight.

With respect to polyholosides from flax seeds/linseed, they stimulateglycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis. GAGs are fundamental components ofthe dermis comprising long unbranched chains of high molecular weightconsisting of repeating saccharide units. The GAGs synthesis isinitiated by the sequential addition of four monosaccharides:xylose-galactose-galactose-glucuronic acid. Xylose, the main pentose ofthe polyholoside, is the first essential constituent of GAGs andconsequently regulates their synthesis. See Wen J, Xiao J, Rahddar M, etal. Xylose phosphorylation functions as a molecular switch to regulateproteoglycan biosynthesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2014; 111(44):15723-8.

In some embodiments, formulations as described herein comprisepolyholosides. In some embodiments, the polyholosides are provided atleast or about 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%,2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 8%, 9%, 10%,or more than 10% by weight (wt.) In some embodiments, the polyholosidesare provided in a range of about 0.25% to about 10%, about 0.5% to about8%, about 0.75% to about 6%, about 1% to about 4%, or about 2.5% toabout 10% by weight. In some embodiments, the polyholosides are providedat about 5.0% by weight.

With respect to phosphatidylserine (PS), aside from its ability todecrease MMP-1 and increase procollagen, it also stimulates intrinsicproduction of HA. See Cho S, Kim H H, Lee M J, et al. Phosphatidylserineprevents UV-induced decrease of type I procollagen and increase of MMP-1in dermal fibroblasts and human skin in vivo. J Lipid Res 2008; 49(6):1235-45, and Lee S-H, Yang J-H, Park Y-K, et al. Protective effect andmechanism of phosphatidylserine in UVB-induced human dermal fibroblasts.European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology 2013; 115(7): 783-90In-vitro data on human fibroblast cells shows that PS up-regulates theexpression of hyaluronan synthase II enzyme (also called HAS2). Thisenzyme is a key enzyme for the production of hyaluronic acid within theskin cells. Additional data on artificial skin confirm the up-regulationof hyaluronic acid formation in the presence of PS. See Productmonograph; Nagase Chemtex PIPS; Phosphatidylserine &phosphatidylinositol; May 2015.

In some embodiments, formulations as described herein comprisephosphatidylserine. In some embodiments, the phosphatidylserine isprovided at least or about 0.001%, 0.002%, 0.005%, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%,0.04%, 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%,3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 8%, 9%, 10%, or morethan 10% by weight (wt.) In some embodiments, the phosphatidylserine isprovided in a range of about 0.001% to about 6%, about 0.002% to about4%, about 0.01% to about 3%, about 0.02% to about 2%, or about 0.25% toabout 1% by weight. In some embodiments, the phosphatidylserine isprovided at about 0.05% by weight. In some embodiments, thephosphatidylserine is provided at about 0.25% by weight. In someembodiments, the phosphatidylserine is provided at about 1% by weight.

With respect to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, it increases cellularoxygenation and wound healing while promoting collagen, elastin and HAsynthesis. In addition the extract I has been used effectively forreduction in erythema and reduction in sunburn pain. See Productmonologue: Active Concepts 2014.

In some embodiments, Euglena gracilis extract, aqua, caffeine, Glauciumflavum leaf extract, or combinations thereof are used to increaseglycosaminoglycans (GAGs). For example, Euglena gracilis extract, aqua,caffeine, Glaucium flavum leaf extract, or combinations thereof increasehyaluronic acid (HA).

In some embodiments, formulations as described herein comprise Tremellafuciformis extract or Tremella. Tremella fuciformis extract is derivedfrom an edible mushroom. In some embodiments, Tremella fuciformisextract provides moisture and serve as a natural hyaluronic acid. Insome embodiments, Tremella fuciformis extract provides anti-oxidantproperties. In some embodiments, Tremella fuciformis extract or Tremellais provided at least or about 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%,1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%,8%, 9%, 10%, or more than 10% by weight (wt.) In some embodiments,Tremella fuciformis extract or Tremella is provided in a range of about0.25% to about 10%, about 0.5% to about 8%, about 0.75% to about 6%,about 0.5% to about 2.0%, or about 1% to about 4% by weight. In someembodiments, Tremella fuciformis extract or Tremella is provided atabout 0.5%. In some embodiments, Tremella fuciformis extract or Tremellais provided at about 1.0%. In some embodiments, Tremella fuciformisextract or Tremella is provided at about 2.0%.

Soothing, Softening Scar Tissue, Smoothing, Pain Relieving, AOX/PainRelief/Scar Tissue

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a stressed cellular protoplasm yeastextract, it provides a soothing calming effect on sunburned and tenderskin and softening of underlying scar tissue. Phytoene/Phytofluene, orColorless Carotenoids, exhibit anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, skinbrightening, and UV absorbency properties. Centella asiatica hastenshealing, stimulates collagen, fibronectin, prevents scarring.

With respect to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, it increases cellularoxygenation and wound healing while promoting collagen, elastin and HAsynthesis. In addition the extract I has been used effectively forreduction in erythema and reduction in sunburn pain. See Productmonologue: Active Concepts 2014.

With respect to phytoene/phytofluene, they are natural colorlesscarotenoids derived from saltwater micro-algae and used by them forprotection against UV radiation and environmental stress. They exhibitanti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (inhibit PGE-2,pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1 and reduce MMP-1 production).

In some embodiments, formulations as described herein comprisephytoene/phytofluene. In some embodiments, the phytoene/phytofluene isprovided at least or about 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%,1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%,8%, 9%, 10%, or more than 10% by weight (wt.) In some embodiments, thephytoene/phytofluene is provided in a range of about 0.25% to about 10%,about 0.5% to about 8%, about 0.75% to about 6%, about 1% to about 4%,or about 0.2% to about 1% by weight. In some embodiments, thephytoene/phytofluene is provided at about 0.2% by weight. In someembodiments, the phytoene/phytofluene is provided at about 0.5% byweight. In some embodiments, the phytoene/phytofluene is provided atabout 1.0% by weight.

With respect to Centella asiatica, it is effective in improvingtreatment of small wounds, hypertrophic wounds as well as burns,psoriasis and scleroderma. The mechanism of action involves promotingfibroblast proliferation and increasing the synthesis of collagen andintracellular fibronectin content and also improvement of the tensilestrength of newly formed skin as well as inhibiting the inflammatoryphase of hypertrophic scars and keloids. Research results indicate thatit can be used in the treatment of photoaging skin, cellulite andstriae. Bylka W, Znajdek-Awizen P, Studzinska-Sroka E, Brzezinska M.Centella asiatica in cosmetology. Postepy Dermatol Alergol 2013; 30(1):46-9

In some embodiments, formulations as described herein comprise Centellaasiatica. In some embodiments, the Centella asiatica is provided atleast or about 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%,2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 8%, 9%, 10%,or more than 10% by weight (wt.) In some embodiments, the Centellaasiatica is provided in a range of about 0.25% to about 10%, about 0.5%to about 8%, about 0.75% to about 6%, or about 1% to about 4% by weight.In some embodiments, the Centella asiatica is provided at about 1.0% byweight.

Reverse Cellular Senescence—Wake Up Sleeping Dormant Fibroblasts toProduce New Collagen and Elastin and Builds ECM—Improving Tone andTexture of Skin

Described herein, in some embodiments, are formulations for reversingcellular senescence. In some embodiments, the formulations reversefibroblast senescence. In some embodiments, the formulation stimulatescollagen and elastin formation. In some embodiments, formulations asdescribed herein comprise Plantago lanceolata. In some embodiments,formulations as described herein comprise oleuropein.

Anti-Inflammatory, Pigmentary Control—Improve Pigmentation ProblemsParticularly Décolleté—AOX/Pigmentation

Described herein, in some embodiments, are formulations for pigmentarycontrol. In some embodiments, formulations for pigmentary controlimprove redness. In some embodiments, formulations for pigmentarycontrol comprise phytoene/phytofluene. In some embodiments, formulationsfor pigmentary control comprise niacinamide.

Niacinamide or nicotinamide is a biologically active form of niacin(vitamin B3) is well tolerated by the skin. It has been used to treatcan and demonstrated to increase ceramide and skin cholesterol levels.In addition, it has been found effective in reducing cutaneouspigmentation by the suppression of melanosome transfer from melanocytesto keratinocytes. See HAKOZAKI T, MINWALLA L, ZHUANG J, et al. Theeffect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppressionof melanosome transfer. British Journal of Dermatology 2002; 147: 20-31and Navarrete-Solis J, Castanedo-Cazares J P, Torres-Alvarez B, et al. ADouble-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial of Niacinamide 4% versusHydroquinone 4% in the Treatment of Melasma. Dermatol Res Pract 2011;2011: 379173. Niacinamide comprises barrier-protective,anti-inflammatory and depigmenting effects. See Wohlrab J, Kreft D.Niacinamide—mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology.Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2014; 27(6): 311-5.

In some embodiments, niacinamide is provided at least or about 0.05%,0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%,4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 8%, 9%, 10%, or more than 10% byweight (wt.) In some embodiments, niacinamide is provided in a range ofabout 0.25% to about 10%, about 0.5% to about 8%, about 0.75% to about6%, or about 1% to about 4% by weight. In some embodiments, niacinamideis provided at about 1% by weight. In some embodiments, niacinamide isprovided at about 2% by weight. In some embodiments, niacinamide isprovided at about 4% by weight.

Improved Barrier Function—Protection Against Water Loss and thePrevention of Substances and Bacteria Penetrating into the Body, PlumpsSkin by Improved Hydration

Formulations as described herein, in some embodiments, improve skinbarrier function. In some embodiments, formulations for improving skinbarrier function comprise niacinamide. In some embodiments, formulationsfor improving skin barrier function comprise Hydroceramide andhydrogenated lecithin.

In some embodiments, hydrogenated lecithin is provided at least or about0.05%, 0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%,4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 8%, 9%, 10%, or more than 10%by weight (wt.) In some embodiments, hydrogenated lecithin is providedin a range of about 0.25% to about 10%, about 0.5% to about 8%, about0.75% to about 6%, or about 1% to about 4% by weight. In someembodiments, hydrogenated lecithin is provided with C12-16 alcohols,palmitic acid, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, C12-16alcohols are provided at least or about 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%,0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%,6.5%, 7.0%, 8%, 9%, 10%, or more than 10% by weight (wt.) In someembodiments, C12-16 alcohols are provided in a range of about 0.25% toabout 10%, about 0.5% to about 8%, about 0.75% to about 6%, or about 1%to about 4% by weight. In some embodiments, palmitic acid is provided atleast or about 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%,2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 8%, 9%, 10%,or more than 10% by weight (wt.) In some embodiments, palmitic acid isprovided in a range of about 0.25% to about 10%, about 0.5% to about 8%,about 0.75% to about 6%, or about 1% to about 4% by weight. In someembodiments, hydrogenated lecithin, C12-16 alcohols, and palmitic acidare provided at least or about 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%,1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%,8%, 9%, 10%, or more than 10% by weight (wt.) In some embodiments,hydrogenated lecithin, C12-16 alcohols, and palmitic acid are providedin a range of about 0.25% to about 10%, about 0.5% to about 8%, about0.75% to about 6%, about 1% to about 4%, or about 1% to about 6% byweight. In some embodiments, hydrogenated lecithin, C12-16 alcohols, andpalmitic acid are provided at about 4% by weight. In some embodiments,hydrogenated lecithin, C12-16 alcohols, and palmitic acid are providedat about 5% by weight.

The ‘skin barrier’ functions as a natural frontier between the innerorganism and the environment. It is comprised mainly by the epidermisand provides a physical (lipids, corneocytes and an acidic film on theskin surface) and a biochemical barrier provided by the slightly acidicpH. This provides for cutaneous antimicrobial defense and regulatesepidermal enzyme activity and expression. The interaction oftransepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SChydration), sebum level on the skin and the skin surface pH valuemaintains skin barrier functionality and skin appearance. High levels ofTEWL correlate with high pH, low stratum corneum hydration and reducedskin surface lipid. There seem to be differences depending on the bodysite, as TEWL increases significantly with ageing at the décolleté,whereas it decreases significantly at forehead and cheek. SeeLuebberding S, Krueger N, Kerscher M. Age-related changes in skinbarrier function—quantitative evaluation of 150 female subjects. Int JCosmet Sci 2013; 35(2): 183-90. Hydroceramide can reinforce the naturallipid barrier of dry and aging skin and also shows an ability tomaintain the moisture balance of skin. In addition hydrogenated lecithinis a natural phospholipid based emulsifier that efficiently penetratesthe stratum corneum while preserving skin integrity by merging with theskin and forming a second barrier layer and providing excellenthydration to the skin surface layers.

Other Activity

Caffeine, in vectorized form (with sodium salicylate and lethicin), canalso be included in the formulation to promote lipolysis. In someembodiments, the caffeine is provided at least or about 0.001%, 0.005%,0.01%, 0.02%, 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.20%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%,2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 8%,9%, 10%, or more than 10% by weight (wt.) In some embodiments, thecaffeine is provided in a range of about 0.001% to about 6%, about0.002% to about 4%, about 0.01% to about 3%, or about 0.02% to about 2%.In some embodiments, caffeine is provided with sodium salicylate,lecithin, silica, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, thesodium salicylate, lecithin, or silica are each provided at least orabout 0.001%, 0.005%, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.20%, 0.25%, 0.50%,0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%,6.5%, 7.0%, 8%, 9%, 10%, or more than 10% by weight (wt.) In someembodiments, the sodium salicylate, lecithin, or silica are eachprovided in a range of about 0.001% to about 6%, about 0.002% to about4%, about 0.01% to about 3%, or about 0.02% to about 2% by weight. Insome embodiments, the caffeine, sodium salicylate, lecithin, and silicaare provided at least or about 0.001%, 0.005%, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.05%,0.10%, 0.20%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%,4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 8%, 9%, 10%, or more than 10%by weight (wt.) In some embodiments, the caffeine, sodium salicylate,lecithin, and silica are provided in a range of about 0.001% to about6%, about 0.002% to about 4%, about 0.01% to about 3%, or about 0.02% toabout 2% by weight. In some embodiments, the caffeine, sodiumsalicylate, lecithin, and silica are provided at about 0.02% by weight.

Formulations as described herein, in some embodiments, comprise ceramideNP. In some embodiments, the ceramide NP is provided at least or about0.001%, 0.005%, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.20%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%,1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%,7.0%, 8%, 9%, 10%, or more than 10% by weight (wt.) In some embodiments,the ceramide NP is provided in a range of about 0.001% to about 6%,about 0.002% to about 4%, about 0.01% to about 3%, about 0.02% to about2%, or about 0.50% to about 0.20% by weight. In some embodiments, theceramide NP is provided at about 0.05% by weight. In some embodiments,the ceramide NP is provided at about 0.10% by weight. In someembodiments, the ceramide NP is provided at about 0.20% by weight.

Therapeutic Uses

The formulations described herein are useful in conjunction with bodyshaping techniques, such as non-invasive radiofrequency (RF)-basedtechnology (hot) or cryo-based technologies (cold). RF technologyinvolves electric energy rather than photo-energy, often utilizing skinsparing techniques or insulated needles where these are utilized andthus the epidermis is largely unaffected and untargeted in thesesituations. Accordingly, topical formulations, such as those describedherein, which tighten skin are complementary adjuncts to such proceduresenhancing the overall outcome.

Described herein are formulations for use alone to improve skin laxityand reduce fat. In some embodiments, formulations result in both removalof fat and tightening of laxed skin as fat is being removed.

In some instances, the topical formulations described herein areadministered once per day, twice per day, three times per day or more.In some instances, the topical formulations described herein areadministered twice per day. The topical formulations described herein,in some embodiments, are administered daily, every day, every alternateday, five days a week, once a week, every other week, two weeks permonth, three weeks per month, once a month, twice a month, three timesper month, or more. In some embodiments, the topical formulationsdescribed herein are administered twice daily, e.g., morning andevening. In some embodiments, the topical formulations described hereinare administered for at least 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5months, 6 months, 7 months, 8 months, 9 months, 10 months, 11 months, 12months, 18 months, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, 5 years, 10 years, ormore. In some embodiments, the topical formulations described herein areadministered twice daily for at least or about 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks,1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, or more. Insome embodiments, the topical formulations described herein areadministered once daily, twice daily, three times daily, four timesdaily, or more than four times daily for at least or about 1 week, 2weeks, 3 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6months, or more.

While the formulations and compositions described herein areparticularly useful in situations where skin tightening is desirable,they can also be suitable for other uses, such as skincare treatment,promoting skin regeneration, and promoting enhanced wound healing.

In some embodiments, the formulations described herein are used inconjunction with a fat reduction procedure. In some embodiments, the fatreduction procedure is non-invasive. Exemplary non-invasive fatreduction procedures include, but are not limited to, low level lasertherapy, infrared light, ultrasound, radiofrequency, and cryolipolysis.

Formulations as described herein used in conjunction with a fatreduction procedure, in some embodiments, speed up fat eliminationfollowing the fat reduction procedure. In some embodiments, theformulations as described herein speed up fat elimination by at least orabout 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or more than 95%. In some embodiments, theformulations as described herein speed up fat elimination by at least orabout 0.5×, 1.0×, 1.5×, 2.0×, 2.5×, 3.0×, 3.5×, 4.0×, 5.0×, 6.0×, 7.0×,8.0×, 9.0×, 10×, or more than 10×.

In some instances, the formulations described herein are administered upto 1 day, up to 2 days, up to 3 days, up to 5 days, or more than 5 daysfollowing a fat reduction procedure. In some instances, the formulationsdescribed herein are administered up to 1 hour, up to 2 hours, up to 3hours, up to 5 hours, up to 6 hours, up to 7 hours, up to 8 hours, up to12 hours, up to 16 hours, up to 20 hours, or up to 24 hours following afat reduction procedure. Sometimes the formulations described herein areadministered singly, or over a time course, such as daily, multipletimes weekly, weekly, biweekly, monthly or less frequently following afat reduction procedure. In some instances, the formulations describedherein are administered singly, or over a time course, such as daily,multiple times weekly, weekly, biweekly, monthly or more frequentlyfollowing a fat reduction procedure. In some embodiments, theformulations are topical formulations. In some instances, the topicalformulations are administered twice daily for at least or about 1 week,2 weeks, 3 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6months, or more following a fat reduction procedure. In someembodiments, the topical formulations described herein are administeredonce daily, twice daily, three times daily, four times daily, or morethan four times daily for at least or about 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 1month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, or morefollowing a fat reduction procedure. The fat reduction procedure may below level laser therapy, infrared light, ultrasound, radiofrequency, orcryolipolysis. In some instances, the fat reduction procedure iscryolipolysis.

Formulations as described herein when administered prior to, during, orfollowing a fat reduction procedure may improve fat reduction. In someinstances, reduction is by 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%,55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or more than 95% ascompared to a control. In some instances, the reduction is by at leastor about 1 cm³, 2 cm³, 3 cm³, 4 cm³, 5 cm³, 6 cm³, 7 cm³, 8 cm³, 9 cm³,10 cm³, 11 cm³, 12 cm³, 13 cm³, 14 cm³, 15 cm³, 16 cm³, 17 cm³, 18 cm³,19 cm³, 20 cm³, 25 cm³, 30 cm³, 35 cm³, 40 cm³, 50 cm³, 60 cm³, 70 cm³,80 cm³, or more than 80 cm³. In some instances, the reduction is in arange of about 1 cm³ to about 80 cm³, about 5 cm³ to about 70 cm³, about10 cm³ to about 600 cm³, or about 20 cm³ to about 40 cm³. In someinstances, the reduction is in the abdomen. In some instances, thereduction is in the arm. In some instances, the reduction is in asubmental region, abdomen, face, flank, back, chest, arm, leg, buttock,or combination thereof.

Formulations as described herein when applied to a submental region,abdomen, face, flank, back, chest, arm, leg, buttock, or combinationthereof may result in a fat reduction. In some instances, the fatreduction is in the abdomen. In some instances, the formulations areapplied following a fat reduction procedure such as cryolipolysis. Insome instances, the reduction occurs at least or about 1 week, 2 weeks,3 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, ormore following a fat reduction procedure. In some instances, thereduction occurs when the topical formulations are administered oncedaily, twice daily, three times daily, four times daily, or more thanfour times daily for at least or about 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 1month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, or morefollowing a fat reduction procedure.

In some embodiments, the formulations described herein are used inconjunction with body-shaping or body-contouring procedures. In someembodiments, the body-shaping or body-contouring procedure is a fatreduction procedure. In some embodiments, the body-shaping orbody-contouring procedures are non-invasive. In some embodiments, thebody-shaping or body-contouring procedure uses a specific energy source.In some embodiments, the body-shaping or body-contouring procedureaffects fat tissue including, but not limited to, short term metabolicsize reduction and long term permanent fat cell death. Exemplarybody-shaping or body-contouring procedures include, but are not limitedto, high frequency focused ultrasound, pulsed focus ultrasound,cryolipolysis, radiofrequency induced electroporation, injectablelipolytic agents, and liposuction.

In some instances, the formulations described herein are administeredprior to a body-shaping or body-contouring procedure, during abody-shaping or body-contouring procedure, or following a body-shapingor body-contouring procedure. In additional instances, the formulationsdescribed herein are administered as a pre-conditioning treatment. Insome instances, the topical formulation described herein areadministered for at least 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days,1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5months, 6 months, or more as a pre-conditioning treatment. In someinstances, the topical formulations described herein are administeredfor at least 2-8 weeks, 2-6 weeks, 2-4 weeks, or 2-3 weeks as apre-conditioning treatment. In some cases, the formulations describedherein are administered at least 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days,6 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months,5 months, 6 months, or more prior to a body-shaping or body-contouringprocedure. In some instances, the formulations described herein areadministered up to 1 hour, up to 2 hours, up to 3 hours, up to 5 hours,up to 6 hours, up to 7 hours, up to 8 hours, up to 12 hours, up to 16hours, up to 20 hours, or up to 24 hours following a body-shaping orbody-contouring procedure. In some cases, the formulations describedherein are administered at least or up to 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days,5 days, 6 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4months, 5 months, 6 months, or more following a body-shaping orbody-contouring procedure. In some embodiments, the topical formulationsdescribed herein are administered for at least 2-8 weeks, 2-6 weeks, 2-4weeks, or 2-3 weeks after a body-shaping or body-contouring procedure.Sometimes the formulations described herein are administered singly, orover a time course, such as daily, multiple times weekly, weekly,biweekly, monthly or less frequently prior to or following abody-shaping or body-contouring procedure. In some instances, theformulations described herein are administered singly, or over a timecourse, such as daily, multiple times weekly, weekly, biweekly, monthlyor more frequently prior to or following a body-shaping orbody-contouring procedure. In some instances, the topical formulationsdescribed herein are administered once per day, twice per day, threetimes per day or more after the end of a body-shaping or body-contouringprocedure. In some instances, the topical formulations described hereinare administered twice daily administration, e.g., morning and evening,after the end of a body-shaping or body-contouring procedure.

In some instances, formulation as described herein when applied to asubmental region, abdomen, face, flank, back, chest, arm, leg, buttock,or combination thereof results in improved contour or improved shape. Insome instances, the improved contour or improved shape is of the arm. Insome instances, the improved contour or improved shape occurs at leastor about 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4months, 5 months, 6 months, or more following a body contouringprocedure. In some instances, the improved contour or improved shapeoccurs when the topical formulations are administered once daily, twicedaily, three times daily, four times daily, or more than four timesdaily for at least or about 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 1 month, 2 months,3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, or more following a bodycontouring procedure.

Improved contour or improved shape may be by at least or about 10%, 15%,20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, or more than 95% as compared to a control. In some instances,the improved contour or improved shape comprises a reduction in size ofa submental region, abdomen, face, flank, back, chest, arm, leg,buttock, or combination thereof. In some instances, improved contour orimproved shape comprises a reduction in size of the arm. In someinstances, improved contour or improved shape results in a reduction ofby at least or about 0.25 inch, 0.5 inch, 0.75 inch, 1 inch, 2 inches,2.5 inches, 3 inches, 3.5 inches, 4 inches, 4.5 inches, 5 inches, 5.5inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, or more than10 inches. In some instances, improved contour or improved shape resultsin a reduction of about 0.25 inch to about 10 inches, 0.5 inch to about9 inches, about 0.75 inch to about 8 inches, 1 inch to about 7 inches,or about 2 inches to about 6 inches.

Fat reduction, improved contour, improved shape, or combinations thereofmay be determined using various assays. In some instances, skin laxity,body contour/shape, size, or aesthetics are determined. Exemplaryassessments include, but are not limited to, skin laxity assessments,circumference measurements, photographic assessments, contourimprovement assessments, arm shape improvement assessments, and globalaesthetic improvement of skin quality assessments. The assessments maybe determined by a clinician or doctor. In some instances, theassessments are determined by the patient.

In making an assessment, the effects of the topical formulations may becompared to a control. In some instances, an individual topicallyadministers formulations as described herein on one part of the body,and the control comprises a control formulation administered to a secondpart of the body.

In some embodiments, the formulations described herein are used inconjunction with a procedure to reduce skin laxity. Exemplary proceduresto reduce skin laxity comprise radiofrequency or ultrasound.

In some instances, the formulations described herein are administeredprior to a procedure to reduce skin laxity, during a procedure to reduceskin laxity, or following a procedure to reduce skin laxity. Inadditional instances, the formulations described herein are administeredas a pre-conditioning treatment. In some instances, the topicalformulation described herein are administered for at least 1 day, 2days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 1 month,2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, or more as apre-conditioning treatment. In some instances, the topical formulationsdescribed herein are administered for at least 2-8 weeks, 2-6 weeks, 2-4weeks, or 2-3 weeks as a pre-conditioning treatment. In some cases, theformulations described herein are administered at least 1 day, 2 days, 3days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 1 month, 2months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, or more prior to aprocedure to reduce skin laxity. In some cases, the formulationsdescribed herein are administered at least 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4days, 5 days, 6 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, or more following a procedure toreduce skin laxity. In some embodiments, the topical formulationsdescribed herein are administered for at least 2-8 weeks, 2-6 weeks, 2-4weeks, or 2-3 weeks after a procedure to reduce skin laxity. Sometimesthe formulations described herein are administered singly, or over atime course, such as daily, multiple times weekly, weekly, biweekly,monthly or less frequently prior to or following a procedure to reduceskin laxity. In some instances, the formulations described herein areadministered singly, or over a time course, such as daily, multipletimes weekly, weekly, biweekly, monthly or more frequently prior to orfollowing a procedure to reduce skin laxity. In some instances, thetopical formulations described herein are administered once per day,twice per day, three times per day or more after the end of a procedureto reduce skin laxity. In some instances, the topical formulationsdescribed herein are administered twice daily administration, e.g.,morning and evening, after the end of a procedure to reduce skin laxity.

Described herein are formulations for reducing skin laxity and reducingfat. In some embodiments, formulations result in both removal of fat andtightening of laxed skin as fat is being removed. For example,hexapeptide-11 results in removal of fat and tripeptide-1 andhexapeptide-12 result in skin tightening.

In some embodiments, formulations as described herein stimulate elastinproduction. In some embodiments, formulations as described herein aid inelimination of lipid droplets. In some embodiments, formulations asdescribed herein stimulate autophagy and macrophage production toaccelerate digestion of fat fragments. FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic ofautophagy. Autophagy facilitates very large sized fat cells and lipiddroplets (much bigger than macrophages) to be digested. The processtakes place by surrounding part of the fat droplet with a cell membranepart (phagophore), which then breaks down the droplet into a smallermore digestable size and further fuses with a lysosome that poursenzymes into the droplet further breaking it down into a still smallersize. This particle can now be digested by macrophages which are drawninto the area by the process.

In some embodiments, formulations as described herein increase elastinproduction by increasing elastin components and fibroblast function. SeeFIG. 4. In some embodiments, formulations as described herein increaseGAGs (Glycosaminoglycans) and Hyaluronic acid (HA).

Types of Formulations

The peptide combinations of the embodiments can be employed in varioustypes of formulations. Topical formulations including a dipeptide,tripeptide, or tetrapeptide, and a pentapeptide, hexapeptide, orheptapeptide in combination with at least one excipient, are provided.In some embodiments, topical formulations comprise one or moretripeptides, one or more tetrapeptides, and one or more hexapeptides. Insome embodiments, a tripeptide of the one or more tripeptides istripeptide-1. In some embodiments, a tetrapeptide of the one or moretetrapeptides is tetrapeptide-2. In some embodiments, a hexapeptide ofthe one or more hexapeptides is hexapeptide-12. In some embodiments, ahexapeptide of the one or more hexapeptides is hexapeptide-11. In someembodiments, the topical formulation comprises tripeptide-1,tetrapeptide-2, hexapeptide-12, and hexapeptide-11. In some embodiments,the topical formulation comprises tripeptide-1, tetrapeptide-2, andhexapeptide-12. Excipients can include a nonaqueous or aqueous carrier,and one or more agents selected from moisturizing agents, pH adjustingagents, deodorants, fragrances, chelating agents, preservatives,emulsifiers, thickeners, solubilizing agents, penetration enhancers,anti-irritants, colorants, surfactants, beneficial agents,pharmaceutical agents, and other components as known in the art for usein connection with topical formulations for treatment of the skin. Insome embodiments, the formulation is an aqueous formulation. In someembodiments, the formulation is an anhydrous formulation to prevent skinirritation such as water-based irritant contact dermatitis or stingingsensation upon application to damaged skin. In some embodiments, thecomposition is formulated such that preservatives need not be employed(e.g., a preservative-free formulation) so as to avoid skin irritationassociated with certain preservatives.

To facilitate application, the composition may be provided as anointment, an oil, a lotion, a paste, a powder, a gel, or a cream. Thecomposition may also include additional ingredients such as a protectiveagent, an emollient, an astringent, a humectant, a sun screening agent,a sun tanning agent, a UV absorbing agent, an antibiotic agent, anantifungal agent, an antiviral agent, an antiprotozoal agent, ananti-acne agent, an anesthetic agent, a steroidal anti-inflammatoryagent, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, an antipruritic agent,an additional antioxidant agent, a chemotherapeutic agent, ananti-histamine agent, a vitamin or vitamin complex, a hormone, ananti-dandruff agent, an anti-wrinkle agent, an anti-skin atrophy agent,a skin whitening agent, a cleansing agent, additional peptides,additional modified peptides, and combinations thereof. In a furtherembodiment, the composition may avoid animal or cellular-based materialsto avoid skin irritation. The composition can be applied to the dermis,or to mucous membranes.

Methods of using topical peptide formulations for skin tightening areprovided. The compositions may also be applied to treat skin conditionssuch as inflammation, redness, soreness, skin sensitivity, dry skin,bruising, and similar conditions. Application of the peptide compositioncomprising a first dipeptide, tripeptide, or tetrapeptide and a secondpentapeptide, hexapeptide, or heptapeptide may also be used to preventscarring (e.g., in facelift procedures or other cosmetic proceduresinvolving a skin incision), to quicken epithelial confluence, and tolimit scabbing and crusting during wound healing. Increased collagenproduction and/or increased elastin production can also be inducedthrough the application of a composition that comprises a firstdipeptide, tripeptide, or tetrapeptide and a second pentapeptide,hexapeptide, or heptapeptide. Suitable methods for objectively measuringimprovement in skin redness and inflammation may include tristimuluscolorimetry, narrow-band reflectance spectroscopy, diffuse reflectancespectroscopy, skin reflectance spectroscopy, and/or UV photography.

Some embodiments include administering peptide compositions providedherein in topical formulations; however, other routes of administrationare also contemplated (e.g., mucosal, subdermal, oral, or the like).Contemplated routes of administration include but are not limited totopical, mucosal, and subcutaneous. Suitable liquid forms includesuspensions, emulsions, solutions, and the like. Unit dosage forms canalso be provided, e.g., individual packets with a premeasured amount ofthe formulation, configured for administration to the face or other bodypart on a predetermined schedule pre-procedure and post-procedure. Unitdosage forms configured for administration twice or three times a daypre-procedure and post-procedure are particularly preferred; however, incertain embodiments it can be desirable to configure the unit dosageform for administration once a day, four times a day, or more.

In some embodiments, the topical and other formulations typicallycomprise from about 0.001 wt. % or less to about 50 wt. % or more ofactive ingredient, such as the peptides, preferably from about 0.005,0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3,0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1 wt. % to about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or 45 wt. %. In some embodiments, theactive ingredient is provided at least or about 0.001%, 0.005%, 0.01%,0.02%, 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%,3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 8%, 9%, 10%, or morethan 10% by weight (wt.) In some embodiments, the active ingredient isprovided in a range of about 0.25% to about 10%, about 0.5% to about 8%,about 0.75% to about 6%, or about 1% to about 4% by weight. In someembodiments, the active ingredient is provided in a range of about0.001% to about 6%, about 0.002% to about 4%, about 0.01% to about 3%,or about 0.02% to about 2% by weight.

Compositions and formulations for topical administration can includetransdermal patches, ointments, lotions, creams, gels, drops, sprays,liquids, aerosols, and powders. Conventional pharmaceutical carriers,aqueous, powder or oily bases, thickeners and the like may be employed.In certain applications, an ointment, lotion, cream, gel or similarformulation can be provided that can be applied to the skin using thefingers. Such formulations are typically provided in a squeeze tube orbottle or a pot, or in a roll-on, wherein a ball is secured in the topof a container of the formulation, wherein the ball is permitted toroll. By rolling the ball over the skin surface, liquid in the containeris transferred to the skin in a controlled manner. An alternativedelivery mechanism includes a container with a perforated lid with amechanism for advancing an extrudable formulation through the lid. Inanother form, a gel formulation with sufficient structural integrity tomaintain its shape is provided, which is advanced up a tube and appliedto the skin (e.g., in a stick form). An advantage of the stick form isthat only the formulation contacts the skin in the application process,not the fingers or a portion of a container. A liquid or gel can also beplaced using an applicator, e.g., a wand, a sponge, a syringe, or othersuitable method.

Components of the Formulations

Peptides

Formulations comprising a combination of two or more peptides areprovided for promoting healthy skin, skin regeneration, and enhancedwound healing, e.g., in patients subject to a skin procedure such as alaser treatment, a chemical peel, dermabrasion, microneedling, and othersuch procedures, in patients subject to any other treatment or exposureresulting in damage, inflammation, or irritation to the skin (e.g.,sunburn, eczema, psoriasis, herpes lesions, shingles, allergic reaction,contact dermatitis, or the like), or in any skin condition whereinstimulation of collagen and/or elastin is beneficial. In a topicalformulation comprising the two peptide combination, a first peptide(e.g., hexapeptide) is present in the composition in pure for or in aform of a carrier containing the peptide, e.g., 50 ppm or less to 1000,5000, 10000, 50000, 100000, 500000 ppm or more, e.g., 100 ppm of thepeptide. The topical formulation can contain from 0.01 wt. % or less(e.g., 0.001 wt. %) to 10 wt. % or more, e.g., 0.01 wt. % to 0.02 wt. %,0.03 wt. %, 0.04 wt. %, 0.05 wt. %, 0.1 wt. %, 1 wt. % to 5 wt. % or 10wt. % of the first peptide. The second peptide (e.g., tripeptide) ispresent in the topical formulation composition in pure form or in a formof a carrier containing the peptide, e.g., 50 ppm or less to 1000, 5000,10000, 50000, 100000, 500000 ppm or more, e.g., 100 ppm of the peptide,or any other suitable amount. The topical formulation can contain from0.01 wt. % or less (e.g., 0.001 wt. %) to 10 wt. % or more, e.g., 0.01wt. % to 0.02 wt. %, 0.03 wt. %, 0.04 wt. %, 0.05 wt. %, 0.1 wt. %, 1wt. % to 5 wt. % or 20 wt. % of the second peptide. The amount ofpeptide in the base can be adjusted up or down.

Formulations as described herein, in some embodiments, comprise one ormore peptides. In some embodiments, the one or more peptides is providedat least or about 0.001%, 0.005%, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.25%,0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%,5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 8%, 9%, 10%, or more than 10% by weight (wt.) Insome embodiments, the one or more peptides is provided in a range ofabout 0.25% to about 10%, about 0.5% to about 8%, about 0.75% to about6%, or about 1% to about 4% by weight. In some embodiments, the one ormore peptides is provided in a range of about 0.001% to about 6%, about0.002% to about 4%, about 0.01% to about 3%, or about 0.02% to about 2%by weight.

In some embodiments, the peptide of the one or more peptides istripeptide-1, tetrapeptide-2, hexapeptide-12, or hexapeptide-11. In someembodiments, the tripeptide-1 is provided at least or about 0.05%,0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%,4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 8%, 9%, 10%, or more than 10% byweight (wt.) In some embodiments, the tripeptide-1 is provided in arange of about 0.25% to about 10%, about 0.5% to about 8%, about 0.75%to about 6%, or about 1% to about 4% by weight. In some embodiments, thetetrapeptide-2 is provided at least or about 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%,0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%,6.5%, 7.0%, 8%, 9%, 10%, or more than 10% by weight (wt.) In someembodiments, the tetrapeptide-2 is provided in a range of about 0.25% toabout 10%, about 0.5% to about 8%, about 0.75% to about 6%, or about 1%to about 4% by weight. In some embodiments, the hexapeptide-12 isprovided at least or about 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%,1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%,8%, 9%, 10%, or more than 10% by weight (wt.) In some embodiments, thehexapeptide-12 is provided in a range of about 0.25% to about 10%, about0.5% to about 8%, about 0.75% to about 6%, or about 1% to about 4% byweight. In some embodiments, the hexapeptide-11 is provided at least orabout 0.001%, 0.005%, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%,1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%,7.0%, 8%, 9%, 10%, or more than 10% by weight (wt.) In some embodiments,the hexapeptide-11 is provided in a range of about 0.25% to about 10%,about 0.5% to about 8%, about 0.75% to about 6%, or about 1% to about 4%by weight. In some embodiments, the hexapeptide-11 is provided in arange of about 0.001% to about 6%, about 0.002% to about 4%, about 0.01%to about 3%, or about 0.02% to about 2%. In some embodiments, thehexapeptide-11 is provided in a range of about 0.005% to about 0.02% byweight.

In example embodiments, a weight ratio for the first peptide to thesecond peptide in a topical formulation is 1 part first peptide to 0.2to 10 parts second peptide, or 1 to 10 parts second peptide, or 1 to 8parts second peptide, or 1 to 5.5 parts second peptide. The followingnomenclature is employed herein to refer to various amino acids: Alanine(also referred to herein as “Ala” or “A”), Arginine (also referred toherein as “Arg” or “R”), Asparagine (also referred to herein as “Asn” or“N”), Aspartic acid (also referred to herein as “Asp” or “D”), Cysteine(also referred to herein as “Cys” or “C”), Glutamic acid (also referredto herein as “Glu” or “E”), Glutamine (also referred to herein as “Gln”or “Q”), Glycine (also referred to herein as “Gly” or “G”), Histidine(also referred to herein as “His” or “H”), Isoleucine (also referred toherein as “Ile” or “I”), Leucine (also referred to herein as “Leu” or“L”), Lysine (also referred to herein as “Lys” or “K”), Methionine (alsoreferred to herein as “Met” or “M”), Phenylalanine (also referred toherein as “Phe” or “F”), Proline (also referred to herein as “Pro” or“P”), Serine (also referred to herein as “Ser” or “S”), Threonine (alsoreferred to herein as “Thr” or “T”), Tryptophan (also referred to hereinas “Trp” or “W”), Tyrosine (also referred to herein as “Tyr” or “Y”),Valine (also referred to herein as “Val” or “V”).

In some embodiments, the first peptide is a dipeptide. Suitabledipeptides include but are not limited to those having the followingsequence of amino acids: KK, KP, CK, KC, KT, DF, NF, VW, YR, or TT. Insome embodiments, the dipeptide has the following amino acid sequence:KV. In other embodiments, the first peptide is a tripeptide. Suitabletripeptides include but are not limited to those having the followingsequence of amino acids: HGG, RKR, GHK, GKH, GGH, GHG, KFK, or KPK. Insome embodiments, the tripeptide has the following amino acid sequence:KVK. In some embodiments, the first peptide is a tetrapeptide. Suitabletetrapeptides include but are not limited to those having the followingsequence of amino acids: GQPR (SEQ ID NO: 1), KTFK (SEQ ID NO: 2), AQTR(SEQ ID NO: 3), or RSRK (SEQ ID NO: 4). In some embodiments, thetetrapeptide has the following sequence of amino acids: KDVY (SEQ ID NO:5). In some embodiments, the second peptide is a pentapeptide. Suitablepentapeptides include but are not limited to those having the followingsequence of amino acids: KTTKS (SEQ ID NO: 6), YGGFX (SEQ ID NO: 7), orKLAAK (SEQ ID NO: 8). In some embodiments, the second peptide is ahexapeptide. Suitable hexapeptides include but are not limited to thosehaving the following sequence of amino acids: VGVAPG (SEQ ID NO: 9) orGKTTKS (SEQ ID NO: 10). In some embodiments, the hexapeptide has thefollowing sequence of amino acids: FVAPFP (SEQ ID NO: 11). In someembodiments, the second peptide is a heptapeptide. Suitableheptapeptides include but are not limited to one having an amino acidsequence RGYYLLE (SEQ ID NO: 12), or Heptapeptide-6 (a pro-sirtuinpeptide). The compositions may include two or more peptides, e.g., twodipeptides and one pentapeptide; one tripeptide and one hexapeptide; onedipeptide, one tripeptide, and one heptapeptide, or the like, providedthat the composition contains at least one dipeptide, tripeptide, ortetrapeptide and at least one pentapeptide, hexapeptide, orheptapeptide. In some embodiments, the compositions comprise one or moretripeptides, one or more tetrapeptides, and one or more hexapeptides. Insome embodiments, a tripeptide of the one or more tripeptides istripeptide-1. In some embodiments, a tetrapeptide of the one or moretetrapeptides is tetrapeptide-2. In some embodiments, a hexapeptide ofthe one or more hexapeptides is hexapeptide-12. In some embodiments, ahexapeptide of the one or more hexapeptides is hexapeptide-11. In someembodiments, the compositions comprise tripeptide-1, tetrapeptide-2,hexapeptide-12, and hexapeptide-11. In some embodiments, thecompositions comprise tripeptide-1, tetrapeptide-2, and hexapeptide-12.

The peptide can be functionalized. For example, the peptide can befunctionalized with a fatty acid, e.g., myristoleic acid, palmitoleicacid, sapienic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, vaccenic acid, linoleicacid, linoelaidic acid, α-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid,eicosapentaenoic acid, erucic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, caprylic acid,capric acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid,behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid, or the like. Examplesinclude palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 (Pal-VGVAPG (SEQ ID NO: 9)), palmitoyltripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK), myristoyl hexapeptide-12 (Myr-VGVAPG (SEQ ID NO:9)), myristoyl tripeptide-1 (Myr-GHK). Palmitoyl or myristoylfunctionalization can be desirable in certain embodiments as it exhibitsenhanced penetration when compared to other fatty acids. In someembodiments, the peptide is functionalized with a chemical group. Forexample, the peptide is functionalized with acetyl. Examples includeacetyl tetrapeptide-2.

Some embodiments of the methods and compositions provided herein includeas a first peptide glycine-histidine-lysine (GHK). GHK is a peptidesequence that is rarely found in the class of proteins in general, butis frequently found in extracellular matrix proteins. The small size ofGHK permits it to approach membrane receptors far more easily thanlarger peptides. Further, its unique, copper-binding structure enhancescopper transport into and out of cells and promotes wound healingthrough several different but related pathways. Due to its strong copperbinding structure, GHK can be provided in the form of GHK-Cu(copper-bound GHK form).

GHK acts as an anti-inflammatory (see, e.g., Pickart, L., The humantri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling, J. Biomater. Sci. Polymer Edn.2008, Vol. 19, pp. 969-988, 972-973; Pickart et al., The HumanTripeptide GHK-CU in Prevention of Oxidative Stress and DegenerativeConditions of Aging: Implications for Cognitive Health, Oxid. Med. CellLongev. 2012, Vol. 2012, pp. 1-8, 3) and an antioxidant. GHK acts topromote wound healing by suppressing the “acute phase response” that canproduce both inflammation and induce scarring. This biological responseprevents the invasion of bacteria, facilitates the arrival of immunecells, stems bleeding, and provides a covering for the wounded area.GHK-Cu also suppresses the acute phase response by inhibiting theproduction of molecules called cytokines. Cytokines are immune cellsignaling molecules that attract immune cells and that trigger theproduction of other molecules that promote inflammation and fibrosis(leading to the creation of scar tissue). In particular, GHK suppressesthe production of cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNFα), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and transforminggrowth factor-beta-1 (TGF-β1), a few of the key drivers of inflammationand apoptotic cell death in the wound region. As TGF-β1 is an importantcomponent for the continuation of the acute phase response, GHK'ssuppression of TGF-β1 also acts to shorten the duration of the acutephase response once it has begun. GHK acts as an antioxidant by blockingferritin's release of oxidizing iron, preventing further inflammation ormicrobial infection (as invading microbes need iron to survive).

GHK also stimulates blood vessel growth, increases collagen production,and regenerates the extracellular matrix. GHK acts as an attractant forcells vital to the regeneration of damaged tissues such as capillarycells that rebuild blood vessels. It also upregulates the production ofa variety of enzymes that remove damaged proteins while also rebuildingthe extracellular matrix (ECM), a key external scaffold that isimportant for intercellular communication and support. In particular,GHK's induces the production of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) necessary for theregeneration of the ECM, namely collagen, proteoglycans,glycosaminoglycans, chondroitin sulfate, and dermatan sulfate. GHK'sinduction of increased collagen production also plays a key role inenhancing skin regrowth. GHK further stimulates blood flow into damagedtissues through three processes: angiogenesis, anti-coagulation andvascular dilation. First, GHK induces angiogenesis or new blood vesselformation by increasing the production of growth factor proteinsnecessary for angiogenesis such as basic fibroblast growth factor (BFGF)and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Second, GHK increasesblood flow to the wounded area by expanding the number of red bloodcells (via growth in erythropoietin production) and by anti-coagulatoryeffects such as downregulating the blood clotting molecule thromboxane.Third, GHK facilitates vascular dilation through binding to thevasoconstriction protein angiotensin II, preventing angiotensin fromconstricting blood vessels and reducing blood flow.

GHK promotes stem cell proliferation (see, e.g., Ito et al., Is the HairFollicle Necessary for Normal Wound Healing, J. Invest. Dermatol. 2008,Vol. 128, pp. 1059-1061, 1059). Wound healing studies have demonstratedthat the addition of GHK-Cu greatly enlarged the production of hairfollicles near the wound periphery in experiments with mice. Dermal hairfollicles are a significant source of stem cells that are essential fordermal healing. Research into dermal hair follicles have demonstratedthat hair-bearing areas tend to heal more quickly and that cells fromvarious portions of the follicle may contribute to both dermal cell andepithelial cell replacement as well.

Thus, by decreasing inflammation, acting as an antioxidant, stimulatinggrowth of new blood vessels, regenerating the extracellular matrix,enhancing collagen production, and by promoting stem cell proliferation,GHK can greatly enhance skin regeneration and promote wound healing.

Some embodiments of the methods and compositions provided herein includeas a second peptide valine-glycine-valine-alanine-proline-glycine(VGVAPG) (SEQ ID NO: 9). VGVAPG (SEQ ID NO: 9) is a hexapeptide that isderived from the elastin protein (see, e.g., Blanchevoye et al.,Interaction between the Elastin Peptide VGVAPG and Human Elastin BindingProtein, J. Biol. Chem. 2012, Vol. 288, pp. 1317-1328, 1317-1318)(“VGVAPG” disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 9). Elastin is a protein found inconnective tissue (e.g. skin) that is necessary for tissues to return totheir original shape and size after undergoing temporary expansion orcontraction. Due to the importance of elastin in providing elasticityand resilience, elastin plays a significant role in skin cell resistanceto injury and recovery from injury. The ability of skin to return to itsoriginal form after undergoing stretching or pulling relies oncross-linked elastin proteins (tropoelastin proteins in humans) thatwork to form “elastic fibers.” The disruption of the elastic fibersystem in healing wounds has been strongly linked to the production ofscar tissue (see, e.g., Rnjak-Kovacina et al., Severe Burn Injuries andthe Role of Elastin in the Design of Dermal Substitutes, Tissue Eng.Part B. Rev. 2011, pp. 81-91, 85-86). Because of these properties andothers, elastin is a key component in the effective wound healingprocess.

VGVAPG (SEQ ID NO: 9) plays a role in facilitating elastin's ability toprevent skin injury and to promote skin regeneration (see, e.g., Floquetet al., Structural Characterization of VGVAPG, an Elastin-DerivedPeptide, Biopolymers (Peptide Science) 2004, Vol. 76, 266-280, 267)(“VGVAPG” disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 9). First, it has been shown todemonstrate the ability to attract monocytes and fibroblasts (see, e.g.,Senior et al., Val-Gly-Val-Ala-Pro-Gly, a Repeating Peptide in Elastin,Is Chemotactic for Fibroblasts and Monocytes, J. Cell Biol. 1984, Vol.99, pp. 870-874, 870) (“Val-Gly-Val-Ala-Pro-Gly” disclosed as SEQ ID NO:9), monocytes being essential for fighting off infection and fibroblastsbeing necessary for collagen production (the most abundant protein inskin) and for the regeneration of the extracellular matrix. Second,VGVAPG (SEQ ID NO: 9) provides a binding site for elastin-bindingprotein, a permanent component of mature elastic fibers. Third, VGVAPG(SEQ ID NO: 9) provides a binding site for elastin and extracellularmatrix degradation enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs),which facilitate the replacement and regeneration of elastic fibers andextracellular matrix proteins.

The tripeptide and hexapeptide work synergistically to promote skinregeneration and wound healing through the attraction of healing cells,increased production of elastin and collagen, enhanced fibroblastproliferation, antioxidant behavior (preventing the release of oxidizingiron), and inducing the regeneration of the extracellular matrix. As aresult, the combination of the two peptides exhibits synergistic,superior performance well beyond that expected for either of the twopeptides alone.

Tripeptides promote skin regeneration through increased collagen andelastin synthesis, blocking ferritin release of oxidized iron,attracting healing cells such as capillary cells and macrophages, andthrough re-establishing new blood flow to the injury site. Thetripeptide functions as an anti-oxidant, stimulates collagen, elastin,and hyaluronic acid. It is formulated to penetrate stratum corneum. Inthe extracellular matrix (ECM), it is an anti-oxidant, attractscapillaries and macrophages, which facilitates wound healing. In thecell, it decreases inflammatory cytokines, increases collagen, elastin,dermal stem cell proliferation, and hyaluronic acid.

Hexapeptides promote skin regeneration and wound healing through theinduction of elastin and collagen production, fibroblast proliferation,regeneration of the extracellular matrix, and fibroblast keratinocytemobility. The hexapeptide is formulated to penetrate the stratumcorneum, and mimics the elastin binding sequence, to stimulate elastin.It binds specifically to EBP receptors on fibroblasts and keratinocytes.The binding initiates intracellular signal transduction. Hexapeptidessuitable for use include Hexapeptide-12 and Hexapeptide-11.Hexapeptide-11 has the sequence: Hex-11 (Phe-Val-Ala-Pro-Phe-Pro(FVAPFP) (SEQ ID NO: 11). Hexapeptide-12 has the sequence: VGVAPG (SEQID NO: 9).

In topical formulations, the tripeptide is typically present in anamount of from about 50 ppm or less to about 100, 200, 300, 400, or 500ppm or more, e.g., 50 ppm to 150 ppm.

In topical formulations, the hexapeptide is typically present in anamount of from about 50 ppm or less to about 100, 200, 300, 400, or 500ppm or more, e.g., 50 ppm to 150 ppm.

The peptides can advantageously be provided in a base for suitable forcombining with other components of a topical formulation. The base caninclude one or more components such as a thickener/binding agent (e.g.,pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate), an emollient/dispersing agent (e.g.,caprylic/capric triglyceride), a solvent (e.g., propylene carbonate),and/or a rheology modifierlantisettling agent (e.g., disteardimoniumhectorite).

Oleuropein

In some embodiments, polyphenols such as oleuropein may be added to thecompositions. Oleuropein is a polyphenol isolated from olive leaves (seee.g. Omar S H. Oleuropein in olive and its pharmacological effects. SciPharm 2010; 78(2): 133-54; Al-Rimawi F, Yateem H, Afaneh I. Formulationand evaluation of a moisturizing day cream containing olive leavesextract. International Journal of Development Research 2014; 4(10):1996-2000; Kontogianni V G, Charisiadis P, Margianni E, Lamari F N,Gerothanassis I P, Tzakos A G. Olive leaf extracts are a natural sourceof advanced glycation end product inhibitors. Journal of medicinal food2013; 16(9): 817-22). Oleuropein demonstrates major anti-inflammatoryeffects by inhibiting lipoxygenase activity and the production ofleukotriene. More particularly researchers have demonstrated thatoleuropein enhances proteasome activities in vitro more effectively thanother known chemical activators, possibly through conformational changesof the proteasome. In this regard, it decreases reactive oxygen species(ROS), reduces the amount of oxidized proteins through increasedproteasome-mediated degradation through increased proteasome-mediateddegradation and autophagic pathways, and retains proteasome functionduring replicative senescence. Inhibition of AGE formation via blockingsugar attachment to proteins, scavenging the reactive intermediates, orbreakdown of established AGE-induced cross-links constitutes anattractive therapeutic/preventive target. Oleuropein has beendemonstrated to inhibit AGE formation and breakdown AGE products throughits proteasome enhancing function. When oleuropein is employed in atopical formulation, it is preferably present at from about 0.005% byweight or less to about 10.0% by weight or more, typically at from about0.01% by weight to about 5.0% by weight, e.g., at from about 0.05% byweight to about 0.1% by weight. Oleuropein is useful in compositions forpromoting healing. Oleuropein is typically not employed in antiagingcompositions, in that its effects tend to be incompatible withvolumizing, but it can advantageously be employed in formulations forpreconditioning the skin in advance of procedures as described herein(e.g., laser resurfacing, chemical peel, etc.).

Phosphatidyl Serine

In certain embodiments, phospholipids such as phosphatidylserine (PS), ahighly enriched membrane phospholipid component, may be added.Phosphatidylserine has been known to have several physiological roles,such as activating signaling enzymes and antioxidant activity (see e.g.Draelos, Z., Pugliese, P. Glycation and Skin Aging: A Review. Cosmetics& Toiletries Magazine 2011; June 2011: 1-6; Lee, S., Yang, J., Park Y.,et al. Protective effect and mechanism of phosphatidylserine inUVB-induced human dermal fibroblasts. European Journal of Lipid Scienceand Technology 2013; 115(7): 783-90; He, M., Kubo, H., Morimoto, K., etal. Receptor for advanced glycation end products binds tophosphatidylserine and assists in the clearance of apoptotic cells. EMBOreports 2011; 12(4): 358-64). It has been found to decrease MMP-1 in adose dependent manner, to increase procollagen formation and may act asa substrate for AGE targets thus reducing the damage from glycationeffects. Clearance of apoptotic cells is necessary for tissuedevelopment, homeostasis, and resolution of inflammation.Phosphatidylserine provides an “eat me” signal on the cell surface, andphagocytes recognize the signal using specific receptors such as thereceptor of advanced glycation end-products (RAGE). This then binds toPS and assists in the clearance of apoptotic cells and end products ofAGE. When phosphatidylserine is employed in a topical formulation, it ispreferably present at from about 0.005% by weight or less to about 10.0%by weight or more, typically at from about 0.01% by weight to about 5.0%by weight, e.g., at from about 0.05% by weight to about 0.1% by weight.

Phosphatidylserine can advantageously be employed in formulations forpreconditioning the skin in advance of procedures as described herein.

Carrier Systems

Liquids and gels containing the peptides and other components asdescribed herein can be prepared using techniques as are known in theart of cosmetics manufacture. See, e.g., Handbook of Cosmetic Scienceand Technology, Fourth Edition, edited by André O. Barel, Marc Paye,Howard I. Maibach, CRC Press, 2014, the contents of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety. Various formulations arepossible. As an example, a clear cosmetic gel stick composition caninclude 60 to about 90% of an aliphatic polyhydric alcohol (e.g., a C2-6alcohol containing from 2 to 6 hydroxyl groups); 1-10% of a soap; and1-10% of a water-soluble emollient, e.g., a polyoxyalkylene ether of aC8-22 fatty alcohol, as the main ingredients, in combination with thepeptides of the preferred embodiments. Aqueous extrudable gels are basedon water-oil emulsion technologies. To minimize the amount of waterintroduced into an extrudable gel formula, the concentration of theactive solution is adjusted. Ideally, a high concentration activesolution (45-50%) of the peptides can be employed. Carrier systems forAP solids are typically based on volatile cyclic siloxanes because theyevaporate quickly and do not leave residue on the skin. As analternative to volatile cyclic siloxanes, alternatives can be used,including isohexadecane or C13-15 isoalkane. Solidification systems areemployed to develop solid sticks that do not melt under typical storageor consumer conditions but provide an elegant skin feel and allow foreasy transfer. A combination of cyclopentasiloxane and stearyl alcoholwith varying degrees of additional waxes such as hydrogenated castorwax, hydrogenated vegetable oils and polyethylene, can be employed.

For liquid formulations (e.g., gel or lotion forms), a silicone, e.g., acyclosiloxane or linear silicone (e.g., silicone elastomer), can beemployed as a carrier. One type of suitable carrier is a dimethiconecrosspolymer gel, e.g., dimethicone crosspolymer in cyclopentasiloxane.Other suitable dimethicone crosspolymers include cyclopentasiloxane,dimethicone/vinyldimethicone crosspolymer; dimethicone,dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer; and isodecanedimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer.

Typically, the carrier is present in an amount of from about 80 wt. % toabout 95 wt. %, or 82 wt. % to 92 wt. %, e.g., in a topical formulationfor application to skin or mucous membranes.

Other Components

Penetration Enhancers

Fatty acids and alcohols can be employed to enhance penetration of thepeptides, and to provide a silky feel to formulations, e.g., methanoicacid, ethanoic acid, propanoic acid, butanoic acid, isobutyric acid,pentanoic acid, hexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, octanoic acid, nonanoicacid, decanoic acid, myristoleic acid, isovaleric acid, palmitoleicacid, sapienic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, vaccenic acid, linoleicacid, linoelaidic acid, α-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid,eicosapentaenoic acid, erucic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, caprylic acid,capric acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid,behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid, medium chain fatty acids,e.g., C₆₋₁₂ fatty acids, or the like. Typical amounts when employed intopical formulations are from 1% by weight to 4% by weight. Othercomponents can include anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidants, andsolubility enhancers. For example, certain components of the formulationtend to be difficult to solubilize in conventional formulations.Phosphatidyl serine and oleuropein are known to exhibit solubilityissues. In some embodiments, a siloxane polymer, e.g., caprylylmethicone, is used to solubilize phosphatidylserine. In someembodiments, caprylyl methicone is used to solubilize phosphatidylserinein anhydrous formulations. In some embodiments, panthenyl triacetate andnaringenin is used to solubilize oleuropein. For topical compositionscontaining from about 0.05% by weight to about 0.1% by weightphosphatidyl serine and/or from about 0.05% by weight to about 0.1% byweight oleuropein, caprylyl methicone in an amount of from about 0.5% byweight to about 1% by weight of caprylyl methicone can solubilizephosphatidylserine in an anhydrous formulation.

Bentonite clays can be employed in conjunction with the peptides toprovide impart penetration and adsorption properties to thecompositions, and can aid in stabilizing emulsions. Other clays, such ashectorite and magnesium aluminum silicate can also be employed.Bentonite or other clays can be modified to yield an organic modifiedclay compound. Salts (e.g., quaternary ammonium salts) of fatty acids(e.g., hydrogenated fatty acids) can be reacted with hectorite or otherclays. As provided herein, fatty acids are referred to and describedusing conventional nomenclature as is employed by one of skill in theart. A saturated fatty acid includes no carbon-carbon double bonds. Anunsaturated fatty acid includes at least one carbon-carbon double bond.A monounsaturated fatty acid includes only one carbon-carbon doublebond. A polyunsaturated fatty acid includes two or more carbon-carbondouble bonds. Double bonds in fatty acids are generally cis; however,trans double bonds are also possible. The position of double bonds canbe indicated by Δn, where n indicates the lower numbered carbon of eachpair of double-bonded carbon atoms. A shorthand notation specifyingtotal # carbons:# double bonds, Δ_(double bond positions) can beemployed. For example, 20:4Δ_(5,8,11,14) refers to a fatty acid having20 carbon atoms and four double bonds, with the double bonds situatedbetween the 5 and 6 carbon atom, the 8 and 9 carbon atom, the 11 and 12carbon atom, and the 14 and 15 carbon atom, with carbon atom 1 being thecarbon of the carboxylic acid group. Stearate (octadecanoate) is asaturated fatty acid. Oleate (cis-Δ9-octadecenoate) is a monounsaturatedfatty acid, linolenate (all-cis-Δ9,12,15-octadecatrienoate) is apolyunsaturated fatty acid. Fatty acids suitable for use can comprisefrom 5 to 30 carbon atoms, e.g., 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 carbonatoms. The fatty acid can be fully saturated, or can include as manydouble bonds as are feasible for the chain length. Fatty acids suitablefor functionalizing hectorite or other clays include palmitic acid andstearic acid. Dialkyl quaternary cationic modifiers includedipalmoyldimonium chloride and distearyldimonium chloride. Amidoaminequaternary cationic modifiers include palmitamidopropyltrimoniumchloride cetearyl alcohol and palmitamidopropyltrimonium chloride.

In some embodiments, the peptides can be in admixture with a suitablecarrier, diluent, or excipient, and can contain auxiliary substancessuch as wetting or emulsifying agents, pH buffering agents, gelling orviscosity enhancing additives, preservatives, scenting agents, colors,and the like, depending upon the route of administration and thepreparation desired. See, e.g., “Remington: The Science and Practice ofPharmacy”, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 20th edition (Jun. 1, 2003)and “Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences,” Mack Pub. Co.; 18th and 19theditions (December 1985, and June 1990, respectively). Such preparationscan include complexing agents, metal ions, polymeric compounds such aspolyacetic acid, polyglycolic acid, hydrogels, dextran, and the like,liposomes, microemulsions, micelles, unilamellar or multilamellarvesicles, erythrocyte ghosts or spheroblasts. Suitable lipids forliposomal formulations include, without limitation, monoglycerides,diglycerides, sulfatides, lysolecithin, phospholipids, saponin, bileacids, and the like. The presence of such additional components caninfluence the physical state, solubility, stability, rate of release,rate of clearance, and penetration of active ingredients.

The compositions for topical administration comprise the peptidecompositions as described herein and a dermatologically acceptablevehicle. The vehicle may be aqueous or nonaqueous. The dermatologicallyacceptable vehicle used in the topical composition may be in the form ofa lotion, a gel, an ointment, a liquid, a cream, or an emulsion. If thevehicle is an emulsion, the emulsion may have a continuous aqueous phaseand a discontinuous nonaqueous or oil phase (oil-in-water emulsion), ora continuous nonaqueous or oil phase and a discontinuous aqueous phase(water-in-oil emulsion). When administered topically in liquid or gelform, a liquid carrier such as water, petroleum, oils of animal or plantorigin such as peanut oil, mineral oil, soybean oil, or sesame oil, orsynthetic oils can be added to the active ingredient(s). Physiologicalsaline solution, dextrose, or other saccharide solution, or glycols suchas ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or polyethylene glycol are alsosuitable liquid carriers. The pharmaceutical compositions can also be inthe form of oil-in-water emulsions. The oily phase can be a vegetableoil, such as olive or arachis oil, a mineral oil such as liquidparaffin, or a mixture thereof. Suitable emulsifying agents includenaturally-occurring gums such as gum acacia and gum tragacanth,naturally occurring phosphatides, such as soybean lecithin, esters orpartial esters derived from fatty acids and hexitol anhydrides, such assorbitan mono-oleate, and condensation products of these partial esterswith ethylene oxide, such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan mono-oleate. Theemulsions can also contain coloring and scenting agents.

In certain embodiments, a silicone elastomer (e.g., dimethiconecrosspolymer) is employed to increase delivery and penetration of thepeptides into the skin. An alternative to increasing molecular weight(as with silicone gums) or adding filler (as with silicone compounds) isto partially crosslink siloxane polymers and disperse this material inan appropriate silicone carrier fluid. The resulting dimethiconecrosspolymers (also known as silicone elastomers in the personal careindustry) differ from basic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) because of thecross-linking between the linear polymers. These materials can beemployed in peptide formulations, and also offer benefits in scartreatment, periwound protection and enzyme delivery. In skin careapplications, the aesthetics of silicone elastomers (including thosewith functional groups) and their ability to absorb various oils (e.g.,with a dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer such as Dow Corning®9506 Elastomer Powder) are two of the elastomer's desirable properties.Silicone elastomers have a skin feel different from any of the siliconefluids, described as “smooth”, “velvety” and “powdery”. It can bemodified by controlling the amount of liquid phase in the formula, andtherefore the degree of swelling. Due to their film-forming properties,dimethicone crosspolymers can be used as delivery systems for activeingredients such as the peptides described herein, or other formulationcomponents such as oil-soluble vitamins and sunscreens. Sunscreens suchas octyl methoxycinnamate can be more efficiently delivered from aformulation containing a silicone elastomer, producing a higher sunprotection factor (SPF). Silicone elastomer blends can be used toenhance SPF in oil-in-water formulations containing organic sunscreens.For example, in testing conducted regarding SPF, the addition of 4%silicone elastomer blend to a suncare formulation containing organicsunscreens increased the SPF from 5.7 to 18. This property of thesilicone elastomer allows the effectiveness of sunscreen agents in aformulation to be maximized while reducing the amount needed to achievea desired SPF. As a result, formulation costs can be reduced along withpotential irritation caused by sunscreen actives. Accordingly, a higherSPF can be achieved with the same amount of UV absorber, resulting inenhanced performance with no added formulation cost. Silicone elastomerscan be produced from linear silicone polymers by a variety ofcrosslinking reactions, e.g., by a hydrosilylation reaction in which avinyl group reacts with a silicon hydride. The general process involveslinear silicone polymers with reactive sites along the polymer chainreacting with a cross-linker. The dimethicone crosspolymer can beproduced either as a gel made of a suspension of elastomer particlesswollen in a carrier fluid (e.g., a mixture of high molecular weightsilicone elastomer in cyclopentasiloxane such as Dow Corning® 9040Silicone Elastomer Blend), or as a spray-dried powder (adimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer such as Dow Corning® 9506Elastomer Powder). The gel form having desirable attributes iscyclomethicone, but low viscosity dimethicones and organic fluids canalso be used. Examples of dimethicone crosspolymers in the suspension orgel form are high molecular weight silicone elastomer (12%) indecamethylcyclopentasiloxane (e.g., Dow Corning® ST-Elastomer 10) and amixture of high molecular weight silicone elastomer incyclopentasiloxane (e.g., Dow Corning® 9040 Silicone Elastomer Blend),which typically have an elastomer content ranging from 10 to 20% byweight.

The pharmaceutical excipients used in the topical preparations of thepeptide compositions may be selected from the group consisting ofsolvents, emollients and/or emulsifiers, oil bases, preservatives,antioxidants, tonicity adjusters, penetration enhancers andsolubilizers, chelating agents, buffering agents, surfactants, one ormore polymers, and combinations thereof.

Suitable solvents for an aqueous or hydrophilic topical formulationinclude water; ethyl alcohol; isopropyl alcohol; mixtures of water andethyl and/or isopropyl alcohols; glycerin; ethylene, propylene orbutylene glycols; DMSO; and mixtures thereof. Suitable solvents forhydrophobic topical formulations include mineral oils, vegetable oils,and silicone oils. If desired, the peptide compositions as describedherein may be dissolved or dispersed in a hydrophobic oil phase, and theoil phase may then be emulsified in an aqueous phase comprising water,alone or in combination with lower alcohols, glycerin, and/or glycols.It is generally preferred to employ anhydrous compositions, as thepresence of water can result in stinging upon administration to skintissues subject to laser treatment, chemical peel, dermabrasion, or thelike. Anhydrous formulations may also act to prevent the development ofwater-based irritant contact dermatitis in damaged or sensitive skin,which may produce rashes and skin irritation that may retard woundhealing and improvement in skin quality. Tsai, T. F., Maibach, H. I. Howirritant is water? An overview. Contact Dermatitis 41(6) (1999): 311-314(describing contact dermatitis caused by water as an irritant). However,in certain embodiments it may be acceptable to provide water basedcompositions, or to permit a limited amount of water to be present. Forexample, water may be present, but at amounts below the threshold atwhich a stinging sensation when applied to damaged skin may result.Osmotic shock or osmotic stress is a sudden change in the soluteconcentration around a cell, causing a rapid change in the movement ofwater across its cell membrane. Under conditions of high concentrationsof either salts, substrates or any solute in the supernatant, water isdrawn out of the cells through osmosis. This also inhibits the transportof substrates and cofactors into the cell thus “shocking” the cell.Alternatively, at low concentrations of solutes, water enters the cellin large amounts, causing it to swell and either burst or undergoapoptosis. Certain of the formulations as described herein can beadvantageously employed where it is desirable to minimize osmotic shock.

Viscosity of the compositions can be maintained at the selected levelusing a pharmaceutically acceptable thickening agent. Suitable viscosityenhancers or thickeners which may be used to prepare a viscous gel orcream with an aqueous base include sodium polyacrylate, xanthan gum,polyvinyl pyrrolidone, acrylic acid polymer, carrageenans, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose,propyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, polyethoxylatedpolyacrylamides, polyethoxylated acrylates, and polyethoxylated alkanethiols. Methylcellulose is preferred because it is readily andeconomically available and is easy to work with. Other suitablethickening agents include, for example, xanthan gum, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carbomer, and the like. Thepreferred concentration of the thickener will depend upon the thickeningagent selected. An amount is preferably used that will achieve theselected viscosity. Viscous compositions are normally prepared fromsolutions by the addition of such thickening agents, or by employing abase that has an acceptable level of viscosity.

Suitable emollients include hydrocarbon oils and waxes such as mineraloil, petrolatum, paraffin, ceresin, ozokerite, microcrystalline wax,polyethylene, squalene, perhydrosqualene, silicone oils, triglycerideesters, acetoglyceride esters, such as acetylated monoglycerides;ethoxylated glycerides, such as ethoxylated glyceryl monostearate; alkylesters of fatty acids or dicarboxylic acids.

Suitable silicone oils for use as emollients include dimethylpolysiloxanes, methyl(phenyl) polysiloxanes, and water-soluble andalcohol-soluble silicone glycol copolymers. Suitable triglyceride estersfor use as emollients include vegetable and animal fats and oilsincluding castor oil, safflower oil, cotton seed oil, corn oil, oliveoil, cod liver oil, almond oil, avocado oil, palm oil, sesame oil, andsoybean oil.

Suitable esters of carboxylic acids or diacids for use as emollientsinclude methyl, isopropyl, and butyl esters of fatty acids. Specificexamples of alkyl esters including hexyl laurate, isohexyl laurate,iso-hexyl palmitate, isopropyl palmitate, decyl oleate, isodecyl oleate,hexadecyl stearate, decyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate, dilauryllactate, myristyl lactate, and cetyl lactate; and alkenyl esters offatty acids such as oleyl myristate, oleyl stearate, and oleyl oleate.Specific examples of alkyl esters of diacids include diisopropyladipate, diisohexyl adipate, bis(hexyldecyl) adipate, and diisopropylsebacate.

Other suitable classes of emollients or emulsifiers which may be used inthe topical formulations include fatty acids, fatty alcohols, fattyalcohol ethers, ethoxylated fatty alcohols, fatty acid esters ofethoxylated fatty alcohols, and waxes.

Specific examples of fatty acids for use as emollients includepelargonic, lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, isostearic,hydroxystearic, oleic, linoleic, ricinoleic, arachidic, behenic, anderucic acids. Specific examples of fatty alcohols for use as emollientsinclude lauryl, myristyl, cetyl, hexadecyl, stearyl, isostearyl,hydroxystearyl, oleyl, ricinoleyl, behenyl, and erucyl alcohols, as wellas 2-octyl dodecanol.

Specific examples of waxes suitable for use as emollients includelanolin and derivatives thereof including lanolin oil, lanolin wax,lanolin alcohols, lanolin fatty acids, isopropyl lanolate, ethoxylatedlanolin, ethoxylated lanolin alcohols, ethoxolated cholesterol,propoxylated lanolin alcohols, acetylated lanolin, acetylated lanolinalcohols, lanolin alcohols linoleate, lanolin alcohols recinoleate,acetate of lanolin alcohols recinoleate, acetate of lanolin alcoholsrecinoleate, acetate of ethoxylated alcohols esters, hydrogenolysates oflanolin, hydrogenated lanolin, ethoxylated hydrogenated lanolin,ethoxylated sorbitol lanolin, and liquid and semisolid lanolin. Alsousable as waxes include hydrocarbon waxes, ester waxes, and amide waxes.Useful waxes include wax esters such as beeswax, spermaceti, myristylmyristate and stearyl stearate; beeswax derivatives, e.g.,polyoxyethylene sorbitol beeswax; and vegetable waxes including carnaubaand candelilla waxes.

Polyhydric alcohols and polyether derivatives may be used as solventsand/or surfactants in the topical formulations. Suitable polyhydricalcohols and polyethers include propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol,polypropylene glycols 2000 and 4000, poly(oxyethylene-co-oxypropylene)glycols, glycerol, sorbitol, ethoxylated sorbitol,hydroxypropylsorbitol, polyethylene glycols 200-6000, methoxypolyethylene glycols 350, 550, 750, 2000 and 5000, poly[ethylene oxide]homopolymers (100,000-5,000,000), polyalkylene glycols and derivatives,hexylene glycol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, 1,3-butylene glycol,1,2,6-hexanetriol, 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, vicinal glycols having 15 to18 carbon atoms, and polyoxypropylene derivatives of trimethylolpropane.

Polyhydric alcohol esters may be used as emulsifiers or emollients.Suitable polyhydric alcohol esters include ethylene glycol mono- anddi-fatty acid esters, diethylene glycol mono- and di-fatty acid esters,polyethylene glycol (200-6000) mono- and di-fatty acid esters, propyleneglycol mono- and di-fatty esters, polypropylene glycol 2000 monooleate,polypropylene glycol 2000 monostearate, ethoxylated propylene glycolmonostearate, glyceryl mono- and di-fatty acid esters, polyglycerolpoly-fatty acid esters, ethoxylated glyceryl monostearate, 1,3-butyleneglycol monostearate, 1,3-butylene glycol distearate, polyoxyethylenepolyol fatty acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid esters, and polyoxyethylenesorbitan fatty acid esters.

Suitable emulsifiers for use in topical formulations include anionic,cationic, nonionic, and zwitterionic surfactants. Preferred ionicemulsifiers include phospholipids, such as lecithin and derivatives.

Lecithin and other phospholipids may be used to prepare liposomescontaining the peptide compositions as described herein. Formation oflipid vesicles occurs when phospholipids such as lecithin are placed inwater and consequently form one bilayer or a series of bilayers, eachseparated by water molecules, once enough energy is supplied. Liposomescan be created by sonicating phospholipids in water. Low shear ratescreate multilamellar liposomes. Continued high-shear sonication tends toform smaller unilamellar liposomes. Hydrophobic chemicals can bedissolved into the phospholipid bilayer membrane. The lipid bilayers ofthe liposomes deliver the peptide compositions as described herein.

In some embodiments, liposomes are used to prepare one or more peptides.In some embodiments, the peptide is hexapeptide-11. In some embodiments,the peptide is functionalized with an acetyl group.

In some embodiments, the liposomes comprise propanediol, lecithin, or acombination thereof. In some embodiments, the propanediol is provided atleast or about 0.001%, 0.005%, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.20%, 0.25%,0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%,5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 8%, 9%, 10%, or more than 10% by weight (wt.) Insome embodiments, the propanediol is provided in a range of about 0.001%to about 6%, about 0.002% to about 4%, about 0.01% to about 3%, or about0.02% to about 2% by weight. In some embodiments, the lecithin isprovided at least or about 0.001%, 0.005%, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.05%, 0.10%,0.20%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%,4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 8%, 9%, 10%, or more than 10% byweight (wt.) In some embodiments, the lecithin is provided in a range ofabout 0.001% to about 6%, about 0.002% to about 4%, about 0.01% to about3%, or about 0.02% to about 2% by weight. In some embodiments, theliposomes comprise propanediol and lecithin. In some embodiments, thepropanediol and lecithin are provided at least or about 0.001%, 0.005%,0.01%, 0.02%, 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.20%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%,2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 8%,9%, 10%, or more than 10% by weight (wt.) In some embodiments, thepropanediol and lecithin are provided in a range of about 0.001% toabout 6%, about 0.002% to about 4%, about 0.01% to about 3%, or about0.02% to about 2% by weight. In some embodiments, the propanediol andlecithin are provided at about 0.90% by weight.

The topical formulation may contain micelles, or an aggregate ofsurfactant molecules dispersed in an aqueous solution. Micelles may beprepared by dispersing an oil solvent in an aqueous solution comprisinga surfactant, where the surfactant concentration exceeds the criticalmicelle concentration. The resulting formulation contains micelles,i.e., spherical oil droplets surrounded by a membrane of polarsurfactant molecules, dispersed in the aqueous solvent.

Sterols including, for example, cholesterol and cholesterol fatty acidesters; amides such as fatty acid amides, ethoxylated fatty acid amides,and fatty acid alkanolamides may also be used as emollients and/orpenetration enhancers.

A pharmaceutically acceptable preservative can be employed to increasethe shelf life of the composition. Other suitable preservatives and/orantioxidants for use in topical formulations include benzalkoniumchloride, benzyl alcohol, phenol, urea, parabens, butylatedhydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), tocopherol,thimerosal, chlorobutanol, or the like, and mixtures thereof, can beemployed. If a preservative, such as an antioxidant, is employed, theconcentration is typically from about 0.02% to about 2% based on thetotal weight of the composition, although larger or smaller amounts canbe desirable depending upon the agent selected. Reducing agents, asdescribed herein, can be advantageously used to maintain good shelf lifeof the formulation. It is generally observed that the anhydrousformulations of the embodiments exhibit satisfactory stability, suchthat a preservative can be omitted from the formulation.

Suitable chelating agents for use in topical formulations includeethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, alkali metal salts thereof alkalineearth metal salts thereof, ammonium salts thereof, and tetraalkylammonium salts thereof.

The carrier preferably has a pH of between about 4.0 and 10.0, morepreferably between about 6.8 and about 7.8. The pH may be controlledusing buffer solutions or other pH modifying agents. Suitable pHmodifying agents include phosphoric acid and/or phosphate salts, citricacid and/or citrate salts, hydroxide salts (i.e., calcium hydroxide,sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide) and amines, such astriethanolamine. Suitable buffer solutions include a buffer comprising asolution of monopotassium phosphate and dipotassium phosphate,maintaining a pH of between 5.8 and 8; and a buffer comprising asolution of monosodium phosphate and disodium phosphate, maintaining apH of between 6 and 7.5. Other buffers include citric acid/sodiumcitrate, and dibasic sodium phosphate/citric acid. The peptidecompositions of the embodiments are preferably isotonic with the bloodor other body fluid of the recipient. The isotonicity of thecompositions can be attained using sodium tartrate, propylene glycol orother inorganic or organic solutes. Sodium chloride is particularlypreferred. Buffering agents can be employed, such as acetic acid andsalts, citric acid and salts, boric acid and salts, and phosphoric acidand salts. It can be desirable to include a reducing agent in theformulation, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, or other reducing agents asare known in the pharmaceutical arts.

Surfactants can also be employed as excipients, for example, anionicdetergents such as sodium lauryl sulfate, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinateand dioctyl sodium sulfonate, cationic such as benzalkonium chloride orbenzethonium chloride, or nonionic detergents such as polyoxyethylenehydrogenated castor oil, glycerol monostearate, polysorbates, sucrosefatty acid ester, methyl cellulose, or carboxymethyl cellulose.

When the peptide formulations of the embodiments are administered bysubcutaneous injection, it is preferably in the form of a pyrogen-free,parenterally acceptable aqueous solution or oleaginous suspension,emulsion or solution. Suspensions can be formulated according to methodswell known in the art using suitable dispersing or wetting agents andsuspending agents. The preparation of acceptable aqueous or nonaqueoussolutions with suitable properties, e.g., pH, isotonicity, stability,and the like, is within the skill in the art. For example, an isotonicvehicle such as 1,3-butanediol, water, isotonic sodium chloridesolution, Ringer's solution, dextrose solution, dextrose and sodiumchloride solution, lactated Ringer's solution, or other vehicles as areknown in the art can be employed, or a fixed oil can be employedconventionally as a solvent or suspending medium, e.g., synthetic monoor diglycerides, fatty acids, or the like. The peptide formulations canalso contain stabilizers, preservatives, buffers, antioxidants, or otheradditives known to those of skill in the art.

In certain embodiments, it can be advantageous to include additionalagents having pharmacological activity. Anti-infective agents include,but are not limited to, anthelmintic (mebendazole), antibioticsincluding aminoglycosides (gentamicin, neomycin, tobramycin), antifungalantibiotics (amphotericin b, fluconazole, griseofulvin, itraconazole,ketoconazole, nystatin, micatin, tolnaftate), cephalosporins (cefaclor,cefazolin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime,cephalexin), beta-lactam antibiotics (cefotetan, meropenem),chloramphenicol, macrolides (azithromycin, clarithromycin,erythromycin), penicillins (penicillin G sodium salt, amoxicillin,ampicillin, dicloxacillin, nafcillin, piperacillin, ticarcillin),tetracyclines (doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline), bacitracin,clindamycin, colistimethate sodium, polymyxin b sulfate, vancomycin,antivirals including acyclovir, amantadine, didanosine, efavirenz,foscarnet, ganciclovir, indinavir, lamivudine, nelfinavir, ritonavir,saquinavir, stavudine, valacyclovir, valganciclovir, zidovudine,quinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), sulfonamides (sulfadiazine,sulfisoxazole), sulfones (dapsone), furazolidone, metronidazole,pentamidine, sulfanilamidum crystallinum, gatifloxacin, andsulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim. Anesthetics can include, but are notlimited to, ethanol, bupivacaine, chloroprocaine, levobupivacaine,lidocaine, mepivacaine, procaine, ropivacaine, tetracaine, desflurane,isoflurane, ketamine, propofol, sevoflurane, codeine, fentanyl,hydromorphone, marcaine, meperidine, methadone, morphine, oxycodone,remifentanil, sufentanil, butorphanol, nalbuphine, tramadol, benzocaine,dibucaine, ethyl chloride, xylocaine, and phenazopyridine.Anti-inflammatory agents include but are not limited to, nonsteroidalanti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, celecoxib, cholinemagnesium trisalicylate, diclofenac potassium, diclofenac sodium,diflunisal, etodolac, fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin,ketoprofen, ketorolac, melenamic acid, nabumetone, naproxen, naproxensodium, oxaprozin, piroxicam, rofecoxib, salsalate, sulindac, andtolmetin; and corticosteroids such as cortisone, hydrocortisone,methylprednisolone, prednisone, prednisolone, betamethesone,beclomethasone dipropionate, budesonide, dexamethasone sodium phosphate,flunisolide, fluticasone propionate, triamcinolone acetonide,betamethasone, fluocinonide, betamethasone dipropionate, betamethasonevalerate, desonide, desoximetasone, fluocinolone, triamcinolone,clobetasol propionate, and dexamethasone.

In certain embodiments, the addition of emollients, emulsionstabilizers, moisturizers, excipients, and other compounds may bemodified to enhance the sensory properties of the topical compositions,including but not limited to: skin feel (silkiness, lightness,creaminess, etc.), absorbency (required time at which product loses wetfeel and is no longer perceived on skin), consistency, firmness,spreadability (e.g. viscosity, flow onset, shear rates), stickiness,integrity of shape, glossiness, hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity, andothers. Preferably, compositions will have high spreadability and lowviscosity properties. Compositions with such properties have beendemonstrated to have an enhanced “silky” or “light” skin feel rating(see e.g. Bekker, M. Webber, G., Louw, N. Relating rheologicalmeasurements to primary and secondary skin feeling when mineral-basedand Fischer-Tropsch wax-based cosmetic emulsions and jellies are appliedto the skin, International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2013, 35(4), pp.354-61).

Stability Testing

Stability testing of the topical formulations can be conducted asfollows.

High temperature testing is now commonly used as a predictor oflong-term stability. High temperature testing can be conducted at 37° C.(98 F) and 45° C. (113° F.). If a product is stored at 45° C. for threemonths (and exhibits acceptable stability) then it should be stable atroom temperature for two years. A good control temperature is 4° C. (39°F.) where most products will exhibit excellent stability. Sometime, theproduct is also subjected to −10° C. (14° F.) for three months.

In some embodiments, the product pass three cycles of temperaturetesting from −10° C. (14° F.) to 25° C. (77° F.). The product is placedat −10° C. for 24 hours and place it at room temperature (25° C.) for 24hours. This completes one cycle. If the product passes three cycles thenyou can have a good degree of confidence in the stability of theproduct. An even more rigorous test is a −10° C. to 45° C. five-cycletest. This puts emulsions under a tremendous stress and, if it passesthe test, indicates that you have a highly stable product.

The dispersed phase (of an oil-in-water emulsion) has a tendency toseparate and rise to the top of the emulsion forming a layer of oildroplets. This phenomenon is called creaming. Creaming is one of thefirst signs of impending emulsion instability. A test method to predictcreaming is centrifugation. Heat the emulsion to 50° C. (122° F.) andcentrifuge it for thirty minutes at 3000 rpm. Then inspect the resultantproduct for signs of creaming.

Both formulas and packaging can be sensitive to the UV radiation. Theproduct is placed in glass and the actual package in a light box thathas a broad-spectrum output. Another glass jar completely covered withaluminum foil serves as a control. Discoloration of the product may beobserved.

For all the above mentioned tests the color, odor/fragrance, viscosity,pH value, and, if available, particle size uniformity and/or particleagglomeration under the microscope can be observed.

Kits for Non-Invasive Use and Use with Invasive Procedures

Some embodiments of the methods and compositions provided herein includekits comprising peptides provided herein. In some embodiments, kits canbe provided to an administering physician, other health careprofessional, a patient, or a caregiver. In some embodiments, a kitcomprises a container which contains the peptide compositions in asuitable topical formulation, and instructions for administering thepeptide composition to a subject. The kit can optionally also containone or more additional therapeutic or other agents. For example, a kitcontaining a peptide composition in topical form can be provided alongwith other skin care agents, such as, cleansers, occlusive moisturizers,penetrating moisturizers, sunscreens, sunblocks, and the like. The kitmay contain the peptide composition in bulk form, or can containseparate doses of the peptide composition for serial or sequentialadministration. The kit can optionally contain one or more diagnostictools, administration tools, and/or instructions for use. The kit cancontain suitable delivery devices, such as, syringes, pump dispensers,single dose packets, and the like, along with instructions foradministering the peptide compositions and any other therapeutic orbeneficial agents. The kit can optionally contain instructions forstorage, reconstitution (if applicable), and administration of any orall therapeutic or beneficial agents included. The kits can include aplurality of containers reflecting the number of administrations to begiven to a subject, or the different products to be administered to thesubject.

In some embodiments, the formulation is configured to support the skinbefore, during and after cosmetic procedures, and also works with theskin's own natural regenerating process and assists in improving theskin's appearance, and skin tightness. The topical formulation can beapplied immediately post-procedure for faster recovery, or generally forhealthier looking skin. The formulation can increase natural levels ofelastin in the skin, improves the quality of existing elastin,stimulates increase in collagen production, and exhibits highantioxidant activity to reduce inflammation, redness and irritation. Thetopical formulation is suitable for all skin types and post-procedureskin. The topical formulations can be provided to the patient in bulkform, to permit a suitable amount of the peptides to beself-administered by the patient. For example, the patient can apply anamount of the formulation sufficient to provide an even coating over theaffected area or as otherwise instructed by the physician. In certainembodiments it can desirable to incorporate additional therapeutic oractive agents into the topical formulation. Alternatively, adjuncttherapies or agents can be administered separately. For example, acleanser, a sunblock, a sunscreen, a penetrating moisturizer, and/or anocclusive moisturizer can be provided for administration before or afterthe topical composition of the embodiments.

In one embodiment, a kit is provided for use in connection with aninvasive skin procedure, as described herein. The kit, termed “aninvasive kit”, includes a topical peptide composition, an occlusivemoisturizer, a gentle cleanser, a penetrating moisturizer, and a broadspectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen.

In another embodiment, a kit is provided for use in connection withimproving skin health but not in connection with an invasive skinprocedure. The kit, termed “a noninvasive kit,” in some embodiments,includes a topical peptide composition, a gentle cleanser, a penetratingmoisturizer, and a broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen.

The various examples of creams, ointments, lotions, solutions, gels,sprays and patches may incorporate the peptide compositions as describedherein as the active ingredient, in combination with penetrationenhancing agents and other active agents acting synergistically on theskin for the promotion of wound healing or wound closure or thetreatment of chronic cutaneous wound.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Formulation

A topical formulation was prepared comprising a first peptide and asecond peptide in combination with excipients. The formulation soprepared was evaluated for suitability for use as a topical formulation,including skin feel and stability, and was tested in vivo on a patientundergoing Coolsculpting. The formulation was prepared as in thefollowing table.

TABLE 1 Formula 1 Ingredient Trade Name Activity % by wt. HydrogenatedLecithin, Biophilic H Biophilic ™ H acts as a “second skin” 2.254%C12-16 Alcohols, and therefore helps to restore the Palmitic Acidcutaneous barrier of damaged skin. The emulsion made with Biophilic ™ Hmelts on the skin during the application and forms a restructuring filmwhich reduces TEWL. Avocado extract, Shea Body 3-Complex Tightening -elastase inhibition inhibits 1.000% butter, Bentonite elastin breakdown,lipolysis, encourages some fat breakdown and turnover; aid in stretchmark alleviation Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 Uplevity LOXL1 (Lysyl oxidaselike enzyme1 - 2.000% cross links elastin components, tropoelastin)binds tropoelastin - TE builds elastin; FBLN5 (Fibulin 5- binds TE toIntegrin to fibroblast stimulating fibroblast to produce elastin)Phytoene/Phytofluene IBR CLC Colorless carotenoids- anti-oxidative,0.500% Concentrate anti-inflammatory, protect against UV 0404 and itsdamage, reduce inflammation, pigmentation and free radical damage aswell as inhibit collagenase expression and therefore reduce collagendegradation Hydroxymethoxyphenyl SymDecanox HA Potent intrinsichyaluronic acid booster, 1.000% Decanone- PN 972276 antioxidant andanti-irritant TriHex -Palmitoyl Corum 8803 Collagen, elastinstimulation, ECM 3.000% Tripeptide-1 recycling, anti-inflammatoryHexapeptide -12 Corum 8806 Elastin binding protein, draws in newly1.000% produced elastin Polyholosides from flax Sculptessence Xylose,galactose, arabinose, rhamnose; 5.000% seeds Xylose, the main pentoseincluded here is the first essential constituent of GAGs andconsequently regulates their synthesis Plantago lanceolata also SenestemMicroRNAs inhibition, restarts the 2.000% called “Plantain” proteinsynthesis in order to prevent cellular senescence and extracellularmatrix breakdown Dill extract LylastineV Stimulates LOXL re-induction1.000% encouraging elastin formation Phosphatidylserine Lipoid PS P 70Lipoid - MMP1 control, procollagen 0.050% increase, stimulates HAproduction Oleuropein Oleuropein 80% Anti-inflammatory but alsostimulates 0.020% UPS system and autophagy digesting worn out proteinsin the cells, reversing cellular senescence Hexapeptide-11Hexapeptide-11 Potent stimulator of autophagy, 0.010% promotes dose andtime-dependent activation of proteasome, autophagy, chaperones andantioxidant responses from related genes Hydrolyzed Candida CelldetoxStimulates autophagy, favors formation 3.000% Saitoana Extract oflysosomes--purified alpha-glucan (oxidized proteins and peroxidizedlipids) and blocks the accumulation of lipofuscin aggregates CentellaAsiatica Actiphyte Gotu Hastens healing, stimulates collagen, 1.000%Lipo Kola fibronectin, prevents scarring Propanediol Lecithin LucasMeyer Pro- Phospholipid Delivery vehicle for 0.090% LIPO NeoHexapeptide-10 Caffeine (and) Sodium Lucas Meyer Vectorized Caffeine -potent lipolysis 1.000% salicylate (and) Lecithin Isocell Slim agentwith targeted delivery (and) Silica

Example 2 Coolsculpting Procedure

A patient underwent a Coolsculpting procedure on both sides of herabdomen. Immediately following the procedure, she applied thecomposition of Formula 1 to the left side abdomen only. Following theprocedure, she continued to apply the composition of Formula 1 twice aday, morning and evening, to the same left side abdomen area. At fourweeks, she started to observe that the loose skin on the lower left sideabdomen was less noticeable and appeared more firm than that of theright side abdomen. This same observation was made through week 6 withthe continued application of the composition of Formula 1 to the leftside.

Example 3 Exemplary Formulations

Formulations suitable for use in skin tightening can be prepared havingthe following formulas.

TABLE 2 Exemplary Formula 1A Ingredient % by wt. Hydrogenated Lecithin,C12-16 Alcohols,   1-4% Palmitic Acid Avocado extract, Shea butter,Bentonite  0.5-2% Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2   1-4% Phytoene/Phytofluene 0.2-1% Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone-  0.5-2% TriHex -PalmitoylTripeptide-1   1-6% Hexapeptide -12 0.25-4% Polyholosides from flaxseeds 2.5-10% Plantago lanceolata also called “Plantain”   1-4% Dillextract 0.25-4% Phosphatidylserine 0.025-0.1%   Oleuropein 0.01-0.05%  Hexapeptide-11 0.005-0.02%    Hydrolyzed Candida Saitoana Extract   1-6%Centella Asiatica 0.25-4% Propanediol Lecithin 0.05-0.2%  Caffeine (and)Sodium salicylate (and) 0.25-4% Lecithin (and) Silica

TABLE 3 Exemplary Formula 1B(1) Ingredient % by wt. AcetylTetrapeptide-2 1-4% TriHex - Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 1-6% Hexapeptide -120.5-2%  Phosphatidylserine 0.025-0.1%     Oleuropein 0.01-0.5%  Hexapeptide-11 0.005-0.02%    Other components remainder

TABLE 4 Exemplary Formula 1B(2) Ingredient % by wt. AcetylTetrapeptide-2 1-4% TriHex - Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 1-6% Hexapeptide -120.5-2%  Hexapeptide-11 0.005-0.02%    Other components remainder

TABLE 5 Exemplary Formula 1C Ingredient % by wt. Phosphatidylserine0.025-0.1% Oleuropein  0.01-0.5% Other components remainder

TABLE 6 Exemplary Formula 1D Ingredient % by wt. Acetyl Tetrapeptide-21-4% TriHex - Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 1-6% Hexapeptide -12 0.5-2% Phosphatidylserine 0.025-0.1%     Oleuropein 0.01-0.5%   Hexapeptide-110.005-0.02%    Caffeine (and) Sodium salicylate 0.25-4%   (and) Lecithin(and) Silica Other components remainder

TABLE 7 Exemplary Formula 1E Ingredient % by wt. Hydrogenated Lecithin,C12-16 Alcohols,   1-4% Palmitic Acid Avocado extract, Shea butter,Bentonite  0.5-2% Phytoene/Phytofluene  0.2-1% HydroxymethoxyphenylDecanone-  0.5-2% Polyholosides from flax seeds 2.5-10% Plantagolanceolata also called “Plantain”   1-4% Dill extract 0.25-4%Phosphatidylserine 0.025-0.1%   Oleuropein 0.01-0.05%   HydrolyzedCandida Saitoana Extract   1-6% Centella Asiatica 0.25-4% PropanediolLecithin 0.05-0.2%  Caffeine (and) Sodium salicylate (and) 0.25-4%Lecithin (and) Silica Other components remainder

TABLE 8 Exemplary Formula 1F Ingredient % by wt. TriHex - PalmitoylTripeptide-1    1-6% Hexapeptide -12    0.5-2% Hexapeptide-110.005-0.02% Other components remainder

TABLE 9 Exemplary Formula 1G Ingredient % by wt. Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2   1-4% Hexapeptide -12    0.5-2% Hexapeptide-11 0.005-0.02% Othercomponents remainder

TABLE 10 Exemplary Formula 1H Ingredient % by wt. Acetyl Tetrapeptide-21-4% TriHex - Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 1-6% Hexapeptide -12 0.5-2%  Othercomponents remainder

TABLE 11 Exemplary Formula 1I Ingredient % by wt. Acetyl Tetrapeptide-21-4% TriHex - Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 1-6% Hexapeptide -12 0.5-2%  Othercomponents remainder

TABLE 12 Exemplary Formula 1J Ingredient % by wt. Acetyl Tetrapeptide-21-4% TriHex - Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 1-6% Hexapeptide -12 0.5-2% Hexapeptide-11 0.005-0.02%    Other components remainder

TABLE 13 Exemplary Formula 1K Ingredient % by wt. TriHex - PalmitoylTripeptide-1  1-6% Hexapeptide -12 0.5-2% Other components remainder

TABLE 14 Exemplary Formula 1L Ingredient % by wt. Ceramide NP.05-.20%    Tremella .50-2.0%    Niacinamide 1-4% Hydrogenated Lecithin,C12-16 Alcohols, Palmitic 1-6% Acid Avocado extract, Shea butter,Bentonite 0.25-2%   Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 1-4% Phytoene/Phytofluene0.2-1%  Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone- 0.5-2%  TriHex -PalmitoylTripeptide-1 1-6% Palmitoyl Hexapeptide -12 1-6% Polyholosides from flaxseeds 2.5-10%   Plantago lanceolata also called “Plantain” 1-4% Dillextract 0.25-4%   Phosphatidylserine 0.025-0.1%     Oleuropein0.01-0.05%    

TABLE 15 Exemplary Formula 1M Ingredient % by wt. Hydrogenated Lecithin,C12-16 Alcohols, Palmitic   1-6% Acid Avocado extract, Shea butter,Bentonite 0.25-2% Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2   1-4% Phytoene/Phytofluene 0.2-1% Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone-  0.5-2% TriHex -PalmitoylTripeptide-1   1-6% Palmitoyl Hexapeptide -12 0.25-4% Polyholosides fromflax seeds 2.5-10% Plantago lanceolata also called “Plantain”   1-4%Dill extract 0.25-4% Phosphatidylserine 0.025-0.1%   Oleuropein0.01-0.05%   Hexapeptide-11 0.005-0.02%    Hydrolyzed Candida SaitoanaExtract   1-6% Centella Asiatica 0.25-4% Propanediol, Lecithin 0.25-2%Euglena Gracilis Extract, Aqua, Caffeine, 0.05-1% Glaucium Flavum LeafExtract

Example 4 Gene Expression Following Hexapeptide-11 Treatment

Gene expression in fibroblasts were measured following 72 hours ofexposure to hexapeptide-11.

Dermal Fibroblasts were plated in cell culture media and allowed to growto approximately 85-90% confluency following manufacturer's guidelines.Cells were harvested and plated at 10,000 cells per cm² in 6-well dishescultured for 3 days. On the third day, confluency was estimated bymicroscopy and the cell culture media was replaced. The cells weretreated with hexpapeptide-11 at a 100× concentration or control bufferwithout peptide. The time at initial exposure to the peptide isconsidered time, t=0. Treated and untreated control cells wereharvested, counted and extracted for RNA at 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72hours following t=0. Cell pellets and isolated RNA were stored at −80°C. until analysis by quantitative-PCR.

The 72-hour time point RNA samples (treated and untreated) were used forgene expression analysis. RNA was converted to first strand cDNA andanalyzed by quantitative-PCR. Tables 16A-16B show the gene expressiondata.

TABLE 16A Gene expression data (positive fold change) Fold Gene ChangeAMBRA1 3.59 AMBRA is major activating molecule in the autophagysignaling network. Autophagy ensures the removal of toxic compounds, aswell as of damaged or redundant molecules. In the past few years, Ambra1has emerged as a scaffold molecule that serves as a platform forautophagy-related complexes and as an early autophagy regulator, ATG4A3.29 This gene encodes a member of the autophagic protein family. PSMB52.56 Proteasome subunit beta type-5 as known as 20S proteasome subunitbeta-5 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PSMB5 gene CASP32.24 Caspase-3 is a predominant player in the execution of apoptoticcell death. However, recent studies indicated that capase-3 plays a rolein autophagic processes - favors the extracellular export of autophagicvacuoles ATG5 2.00 Atg5 has been previously characterized as a proteinspecifically required for autophagy, and also has pro-apoptoticproperties

TABLE 16B Gene expression data (negative fold change) Fold Gene ChangeCOL5A2 −65.65 Secretion of type IV, type V, and type VI collagensubunits peaked during the middle stage of adipose differentiation.MAPK14 −83.67 Activation of MAPK14 impairs autophagosome- lysosomefusion and, thus, autophagy TNF −92.41 Our results demonstrated that atsubtoxic levels, TNF was able to impair autophagy SOD3 −101.59 DecreaseROS, decrease cell apoptosis, inhibition SOD3 increases apoptosis -PDGFRA −369.65 Inhibition of platelet-derived growth factor signalinginduces autophagy in a multitude of cells IGF1 −901.80 High IGF-I levelslead to reduced autophagy.

The data shows a definite and significant relationship betweenhexapeptide-11 and autophagy.

Example 5 Hexapeptide-11 Treatment on Macrophage Clustering

The effects of hexapeptide-11 treatment on macrophage clustering weredetermined.

3T3-L1 adipocytes were untreated or treated with TNF-alpha (˜25 nM) for24 hours. One set of TNF-alpha treated adipocytes was also treated withhexapeptide-11 (0.1 mg/mL). One set of J774 macrophages was treated withhexapeptide-11 (0.1 mg/mL) for 24 hours. The macrophages were added tothe adipocytes. After an 1 hour incubation, the cells were placed on iceand incubated with a fluorescently labeled Cholera toxin B subunit tolabel the cell surface of macrophages a fluorescent green. The cellswere then fixed with 4% formaldehyde for 15 minutes and then incubatedwith LipidTox to label the lipid droplets within the adipocytes afluorescent red color. Four conditions were performed: (1) J774macrophages with untreated adipocytes; (2) J774 macrophages withTNF-alpha treated adipocytes; (3) J774 macrophages with TNF alphatreated adipocytes plus hexapeptide-11 in the 1 hour incubation of bothcell types; and (4) peptide pretreated J774 macrophages withhexapeptide-11 pretreated TNF-alpha treated adipocytes incubatedtogether in the presence of hexapeptide-11. Images taken with a 60×objective were analyzed by counting the number of macrophages associatedwith ˜100 adipocytes for each condition.

FIG. 4 shows images of adipocytes and macrophages. The left panel showsfree floating co-cultured adipocytes and macrophages with no TNF-alphatreatment (Control). The middle panel shows that the addition ofTNF-alpha results in early adipocyte breakdown and macrophageclustering. The right panel shows that TNF-alpha and peptide treatmentsresults in further adipocyte droplet breakdown and significantmacrophage clustering.

FIG. 5A shows the number of adipocytes with either 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5+associated macrophages expressed as a percentage of the total number ofadipocytes counted (˜100 adipocytes/condition). When adipocytes wereuntreated (white bars, first bar from the left of the group of bars 501)no adipocytes were found to have greater than 3 macrophages associatedwith them and the majority had no macrophages. TNF-alpha treatmentgreatly increased the number of macrophages associated with adipocytes(red bars, second bar from the left of the group of bars 503). Peptidetreatment increased the number of macrophages associated with adipocytes(blue bars, third bard from the left of the group of bars 505),including those with cells that were pre-treated with peptide (darkerblue bars, fourth bar from the left of the group of bars 507). FIGS.5B-5C show the data as FIG. 5A with the number of macrophage/adipocytegrouped together. FIG. 5B shows adipocytes untreated (white bars, firstbar from the left of the group of bars 509), TNF-alpha treatment (redbars, second bar from the left of the group of bars 511), peptide andTNF-alpha treatment (blue bars, third bar from the left of the group ofbars 513), and cells pre-treated with peptide followed by TNF-alphatreatment (darker blue bars, fourth bar from the left of the group ofbars 515). FIG. 5C shows adipocytes untreated (white bars, first barfrom the left of the group of bars 517), TNF-alpha treatment (red bars,second bar from the left of the group of bars 519), and cellspre-treated with peptide followed by TNF-alpha treatment (blue bars,third bar from the left of the group of bars 521).

The data shows that hexapeptide-11 treatment increase macrophageclustering.

Example 6 A Double Blind Randomized Controlled Trial, Evaluating theEfficacy and Tolerability of the Regenerating Body Complex inCombination with Cryolipolysis Procedures

Ten subjects participated in the trial. Eligible subjects included womenbetween 25 and 65 years of age with clearly visible bilateralsubcutaneous arm fat appearing as a distinct bulge of fat in the arm atleast 14 cm from the elbow with soft, pliable tissue of sufficientvolume for treatment on both sides. Subjects with previous fat reductionprocedures or implants in or near the treatment area, previous surgeryin the arms, and any contra-indication to device usage, as decided bythe physician, relating to existing diseases or drug use were excludedfrom participating in the study. Subjects with excessive laxity werealso excluded. Pregnant or lactating subjects were excluded and subjectsplanning on becoming pregnant during the study duration.

Subjects underwent treatment of cryolipolysis of the upper arms usingthe CoolSculpting System (ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Pleasanton, Calif.). Eachsubject received two −11° C., 35-minute cooling cycle to each armdelivered using the COOLPETITE Advantage™ cups. The cups were placed ontwo separate positions on each posterior arm (4×35-minute sessions) perthe standard process. Immediately following the cessation of thetreatment on each arm, a timed 3 minute (+/−1 minute) manual massage ofmoderate intensity was performed. The right arm received treatmentfirst. The topical regenerating body complex product (Exemplary Formula1M) was used to treat one arm twice a day. The comparator lotion wasused to treat the other arm twice a day. Assessments on the subjectswere taken at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Study efficacy assessments includedblinded investigator assessment and photography, subject satisfactionand improvement, evaluation of contour improvement over time and skintightness, tone and texture, and evaluation of Canfield photography forquantitative assessments. Skin laxity was also measured according to thegrading scale of Table 17.

TABLE 17 Skin Laxity Grading Scale Score Classification Description 0None No loose skin, toned and firm skin with smooth skin surface texture1 Mild Mildly loose skin, somewhat toned with smooth skin surfacetexture 2 Moderate Moderately loose skin, no deep tone, few wrinkles andcrepiness on the skin surface 3 Severe Very loose skin withoutunderlying tone, multiple wrinkles and crepiness on skin surface, skindistinct from underlying subcutaneous tissue via palpation 4 ExtremeProminent redundancy of skin without underlying tone, severe wrinkling,and crepiness on skin surface

FIGS. 6A-6C show images of arms following 1 month of treatment.

The data shows improvement in skin laxity following treatment.

Example 7 Improvements in Skin Laxity in the Neck

The effects of Exemplary Formula 1L as described in Table 14 were testedfor improvements in skin laxity in the neck.

Exemplary Formula 1L was topically applied twice daily for 12 weeks tothe auricular region of a female aged 52 years old. Biopsy Hematoxylinand Eosin (H&E) and Verhoeff-Van Gieson (VVG) stains were taken.

FIG. 7A shows a VVG stain at baseline at 10× magnification and azoomed-in image. More clumped old elastin fibers (thin black stains) andfew healthy elastin fibers (few thin black stains) were observed. FIG.7B shows a VVG stain after 12 weeks of application of Exemplary Formula1L at 10× magnification and a zoomed-in image. After 12 weeks, therewere more thin black fibers, indicating healthier elastin fibers, andwell distributed thin black fibers all over the dermis.

FIG. 7C shows an H&E stain at baseline at 20× magnification and azoomed-in image. Flattened, more inactive basal cells were observed.FIG. 7D shows an H&E stain after 12 weeks of application of ExemplaryFormula 1L at 20× magnification and a zoomed-in image. As seen in FIG.7D, there were more layers of keratinocytes (thicker epidermis),healthier thickened cornified keratin layer (basket-weave layer) tosupport reduced epidermal water loss, and healthier rete ridges andbasal stem cells at dermo-epidermal junction.

The data shows new, healthy and well distributed elastin fibers as wellas improved epidermal health and functioning as a result of treatment ofExemplary Formula 1L.

Example 8 Improvements in Texture and Wrinkles in the Neck

The effects of a treatment regimen comprising Exemplary Formula 1L asdescribed in Table 14 were tested.

FIGS. 8A-8B show the effects of the treatment regimen as applied to afirst female subject aged 53. The treatment regimen included a gentlecleanser applied in the morning and evening, Exemplary Formula 1Lapplied in the morning and evening, and a broad spectrum sunscreen SPF30 applied in the morning. As seen in FIGS. 8A-8B, there was a 44%reduction in wrinkles on the neck, 22% improvement in overall texture onthe neck, and 59% improvement in red channel as compared to baselineversus the treatment regimen for sixteen weeks. FIG. 8C shows images ofthe female subject after 8 weeks of treatment. FIG. 8D shows images ofthe female subject after 12 weeks of treatment. At 12 weeks oftreatment, there was a 62% reduction in redness on the neck and a 51%reduction in redness on the chest.

FIG. 9 shows the effects of the treatment regimen as applied to a secondfemale subject aged 45. The treatment regimen included a gentle cleanserapplied in the morning and evening, Exemplary Formula 1L applied in themorning and evening, and a broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 applied inthe morning. As seen in FIG. 9, there was a 38% reduction in the rednesson the chest.

A third female subject aged 67 applied Exemplary Formula 1L twice a day.FIG. 10 shows the effects of the treatment regimen as applied to a thirdfemale subject aged 67.

The data shows that a treatment regimen comprising Exemplary Formula 1Limproves the overall texture of the neck and reduces wrinkles.

Example 9 Liposome Delivery System for Hexapeptide-11

Hexapeptide-11 was formulated in a liposome for topical delivery.

A water suspension of liposomes was prepared with 300 ppm (0.03%) ofhexapeptide-11 and 27% Pro-Lipo™ Neo. A schematic as seen in FIG. 11shows the various methods for creating liposomes including hydrosolubleingredient entrapment, liposoluble ingredient entrapment, and aLiposoluble and Hydrosoluble ingredient entrapment. Liposomes wereobserved following the liposome suspension process manufacturing as seenin FIG. 12. An average particle size of the formulation comprisinghexapeptide-11 encapsulated in a liposome was between about 185 nm.

Example 10 Imaging Techniques

Various imaging techniques were used to assay improvements in skinlaxity as seen in FIG. 13.

Example 11 A Second Double Blind Randomized Controlled Trial, Evaluatingthe Efficacy and Tolerability of the Regenerating Body Complex inCombination with Cryolipolysis Procedures

A randomized, double-blind, comparator controlled study was performed toassess the efficacy of the regenerating body complex (RBC) (ExemplaryFormula 1M) compared to a bland moisturizer (Cetaphil lotion) incombination with fat reducing device cryolipolysis of the upper armarea. Five (05) subjects were randomized to receive the RBC on one armand the comparator (Cetaphil lotion) on the other arm. Subjects had ascreening, baseline/treatment visit and follow-up visits at 1, 4, 8 and12 weeks post treatment visit. Subjects underwent cryolipolysistreatment to the upper arms on treatment visit (Day 0). Subjects wereinstructed to apply the blinded study cream to the assigned treatmentarea starting the evening of the treatment visit and twice dailythroughout the entire study. Study efficacy assessments included blindedInvestigator assessment and photography. Subject satisfaction andimprovement were also assessed.

Study Population

Up to five (5) evaluable subjects participated in this pilot study.Eligible subjects were women between 25 and 65 years of age with clearlyvisible bilateral subcutaneous arm fat appearing as a distinct bulge offat in the arm at least 14 cm from the elbow, with soft, pliable tissueof sufficient volume for treatment on both sides. Subjects with previousfat reduction procedures or implants in or near the treatment area,previous surgery in the arms, and any contra-indication to device usage,as decided by the physician, relating to existing diseases or drug usewere excluded from participating in the study. Subjects with excessivelaxity were also excluded. Pregnant or lactating subjects were excluded,as will subjects planning on becoming pregnant during the studyduration. Subjects will be instructed to avoid starting a major diet orexercise program and maintain a constant weight (within 5% of baselinemeasure).

Materials and Methods

Procedure

Subjects underwent treatment of cryolipolysis of the upper arms usingthe CoolSculpting System (ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Pleasanton, Calif.). Eachsubject received two −11° C., 35-minute cooling cycle to each armdelivered using the COOLPETITE Advantage™ cups. The cups were placed ontwo separate positions on each posterior arm (4×35-minute sessions) perthe site's standard process. Immediately following the cessation of thetreatment on each arm, a timed 3 minute (+/−1 minute) manual massage ofmoderate intensity was performed. The right arm always receivedtreatment first.

Study Topical Products

Topical products included regenerating body complex: Applied twicedaily; and Comparator: Cetaphil lotion (bland OTC moisturizer). Thetopical products were provided in a double-blind fashion with tubeslabeled A and B. Treatment assignments were blinded. Subjects wereprovided with one tube of Product A and one tube of Product B at thetreatment visit. Additional supplies were provided if needed at futurevisits. Arm assignment was randomized, and subjects were instructed toapply Product A to the right upper arm and Product B to the left upperarm twice daily for the entire study duration.

Study Assessments

Photography

Standardized photography was performed at the Screening,Baseline/Treatment Visit (pre-and post-procedure), and at each of theFollow-up visits (1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks). Photos captured anterior,posterior (horizontal plane/90 degrees); and additional posterior viewwith the wrist at the same level of shoulder, pointing forward and elbowbent at 90 degrees. Canfield Mirror Software was used to ensureconsistency in arm placement and possible analysis through ghosting andCanfield. Analysis may be performed by Canfield and/or ghosting toassess changes from baseline in tone, texture, wrinkling and total skinsurface area. Other assessments may also be performed.

Investigator Assessments

The Blinded Investigator was asked to assess skin laxity at all visitsand contour improvement at all follow-up visits. Assessments in skinlaxity were performed by assessing the subject during the visit.Assessments in contour improvement were performed by reviewing Baselinephotos compared to the study visit photos.

Subject Assessments

Subjects were asked to assess the skin laxity at all visits andimprovement in the shape of their arm at all follow-up visits. Subjectscompleted a Global Assessment of Skin Quality at study end.

Circumference

Circumference measurements were performed at every visit and were doneusing one designated tape measure. They were always taken at aconsistent distance from an anatomical landmark, for example, thedistance from olecranon process. All measurements were done by the sameinvestigator to avoid possible inter observer variation.

Study Visits

Subjects underwent six total visits: Screening, Treatment Visit (Day 0)and Follow-up Visits at 1, 4, 8 and 12 weeks post treatment. At theBaseline/Treatment visit, the subject was randomized to which arm willreceive the regenerating body complex (RBC) or comparator. The site wasprovided with blinded kits. Kits were dispensed in sequential order withthe lowest kit available. Subjects were instructed to apply the assignedproduct Labeled A to the right treatment area and product Labeled B tothe left treatment area twice daily.

Standardized photos were taken at each visit. At Day 0, photos werecaptured pre-treatment and 15 minutes (+/−5 minutes) post procedure.

A blinded Investigator completed the Skin Laxity Assessmentquestionnaire (Table 18) at all study visits and the Post ProcedureContour Improvement questions (Table 19) at all follow-up visits. TheSubject completed the Skin Laxity Assessment questionnaire at all studyvisits and the Post Procedure Improvement in their Arm Shape (Table 20)at all follow-up visits. In addition, subjects completed a GlobalAssessment of Skin Quality (Table 21) at the final study visit (Week12/EOS).

TABLE 18 Skin Laxity Grading Scale Score Classification Description 0None No loose skin, toned and firm skin with smooth skin surface texture1 Mild Mildly loose skin, somewhat toned with smooth skin surfacetexture 2 Moderate Moderately loose skin, no deep tone, few wrinkles andcrepiness on the skin surface 3 Severe Very loose skin withoutunderlying tone, multiple wrinkles and crepiness on skin surface, skindistinct from underlying subcutaneous tissue via palpation 4 ExtremeProminent redundancy of skin without underlying tone, severe wrinkling,and crepiness on skin surface

TABLE 19 Post Procedure Contour Improvement OVERALL CONTOUR NONE SMALLMODERATE SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Right Left

TABLE 20 Arm Shape Improvement Improved the OVERALL STRONGLY STRONGLYShape of my arm AGREE AGREE NEUTRAL DISAGREE DISAGREE Right Left

TABLE 21 Global Assessment of Skin Quality Pick the side that you feelbest answers the No question. RIGHT LEFT Difference 1 I believe there ismore overall improvement in the condition of my skin on this arm. 3Decreased my crepey skin faster on       side 4 Increased my skintightness faster on       side 5 I feel more confident with the way the      arm looks 6 I prefer using this skincare product over the other 7I would recommend this skincare product to others over the other product

Study Period

The study period included several visits as described below.

Visit 1 Screening Visit (Day −17 to −1): A prospective subject wasexamined to determine if they qualify for entry into the study. Thisinitial examination included the following: obtain photographic releaseand standardized photograph.

Visit 2 Baseline/Treatment Visit (Day 0): This follow-up visit includedstandardized photograph (Baseline); assign next available kit; blindedinvestigator and subject questionnaires pre-treatment; circumference;perform CoolSculpting followed by 3-minute massage (Right first);standardized photograph (15+/−5 minutes); and review take home productapplication instructions sheet/application diary.

Visit 3 (Week 1): This follow-up visit included subject and blindedinvestigator assessments; circumference; standardized photograph; andreview subject post-procedure home instructions/application diary.

Visit 4 (Week 4): This follow-up visit included subject and blindedinvestigator assessments; circumference; standardized photograph; andreview subject post-procedure home instructions/application diary.

Visit 5 (Week 8): This follow-up visit included subject and blindedinvestigator assessments; circumference; standardized photograph; andreview subject post-procedure home instructions/application diary.

The schedule of events summarizing the visits is seen in Table 22.

TABLE 22 Schedule of Events Visit 2 Visit 1 Txt 1 Visit 3 Visit 4 Visit5 Visit 6 Screening Day 0 Post Treatment EOS Procedures Day −17 to −1Pre Post Week 1 Week 4 Week 8 Week 12 Photo Release X Review studyeligibility X X Randomize subjects to treatment X side (Alastin RBC orCetaphil Lotion) Review diary for completeness X X X X and complianceInvestigator Skin Laxity X X X X X Assessment Subject Skin LaxityAssessment X X X X X Subject Global Aesthetic Improvement X of SkinQuality CoolSculpting X Standardized Photograph X X X X X X X ApplyTopical Product (Product X A and B) Circumference X X X X X InvestigatorContour X X X X Improvement Questionnaire Subject's Arm Shape X X X XImprovement Questionnaire Weigh dispensed and returned X X X X Xrandomized topical product (Product A and B) and dispense new product asapplicable. Review home Post-procedure X X X X Instructions sheet/Dairy

Example 12 Results from Clinical Studies

Following clinical trials similar to those described Examples 6 and 11,various measurements were taken.

Arm contour and arm shape was measured in patients who underwentcryolipolysis and treated with regenerating body complex (ExemplaryFormula 1M) or control. Arm contour and arm shape was measured atvarious patient visits including Visit 3: Week 1 Follow Up; Visit 4:Week 4 Follow Up; Visit 5: Week 8 Follow Up; and Visit 6: Week 12 FollowUp, Final Visit. Data was not used from Visit 1 (Visit 1: ScreeningVisit). Visit 2 is baseline/treatment. Data can be seen in FIGS.14A-14D. As seen in FIGS. 14A-14D, efficacy was highest as Visit 5,which is 8 weeks following cryolipolysis.

Example 13 Patient Treated with Radiofrequency Followed by RegeneratingBody Complex Administration

A patient underwent Vanquish ME procedure, which is a radiofrequency“hot” CoolSculpting technology. The right side of the lower abdomenbelow the umbilicus of the patient was administered topicallyregenerating body complex (Exemplary Formula 1M) following theprocedure. 3D photos were taken with the QuantifiCare LifeViz® Infinitycamera and software imaging system (FIGS. 15A-15C). As seen in FIGS.15A-15C taken at week 5, 3D photos demonstrate volume and contourchanges and the color scale represents volume changes in cm³. The colorscale is as follows: blue color represents volume reduction, red isvolume increase and yellow is neutral (no change). There was a markedreduction on the right side (arrow, FIG. 15A) and further quantified asseen in FIGS. 15B-15C. There was a 40 cm³ reduction as seen in FIG. 15Band a 2 cm³ reduction as seen in FIG. 15C.

Example 14 Patient Treated with CoolSculpting Procedure Followed byRegenerating Body Complex Administration

A patient underwent CoolSculpting procedure. The right side of the lowerabdomen below the umbilicus of the patient was administered topicallyregenerating body complex (Exemplary Formula 1M) following theprocedure. 3D photos were taken with the QuantifiCare LifeViz® Infinitycamera and software imaging system (FIGS. 16A-16C). As seen in FIGS.16A-16C taken at week 11, 3D photos demonstrate volume and contourchanges and the color scale represents volume changes in cm³. The colorscale is as follows: blue color represents volume reduction, red isvolume increase and yellow is neutral (no change). There was a markedreduction on the right side (arrow, FIG. 16A) and further quantified asseen in FIGS. 16B-16C. There was a 17 cm³ reduction as seen in FIG. 16Band an 8 cm³ change as seen in FIG. 16C.

Example 15 Acceleration of Fat Reduction in Patient Treated with BodySculpting Device Followed by Regenerating Body Complex Administration

A subject received a Vanquish ME™ (BTL Aesthetics) fat reductionprocedure on both sides of the lower abdomen and flanks. Subjectfollowed-up treatment with a split abdomen regimen that included theregenerating body complex (Exemplary Formula 1M) on the subject's rightside and no topical treatment on the patient's left side (only theprocedure treatment). Results are seen in FIG. 17. FIG. 17 shows 3Dvolume map results after 9 weeks post-procedure. The blue colorrepresents volume reduction and red color represents volume increase.Treatment of the regenerating body complex on the subject's right sideresulted in a volume reduction of 35 cm³ as compared to the subject'sleft side that received no topical treatment resulting in a reduction of1 cm³ (FIG. 17).

Example 16 Acceleration of Fat Reduction in Patient Treated with BodySculpting Device Followed by Regenerating Body Complex Administration

A subject received a CoolSculpting fat reduction procedure on both sidesof the lower abdomen. Subject followed-up treatment with a split abdomenregimen that included the regenerating body complex (Exemplary Formula1M) on the subject's right side and no topical treatment on thepatient's left side (only the procedure treatment). Results are seen inFIG. 18. FIG. 18 shows a 3D volume map results after 11 weekspost-procedure. The blue color represents volume reduction and red colorrepresents volume increase. Treatment of the regenerating body complexon the subject's right side resulted in a volume reduction of 17 cm³ ascompared to the subject's left side that received no topical treatmentresulting in a reduction of 7 cm³ (FIG. 18).

Example 17 Acceleration of Fat Reduction in Patient Treated with BodySculpting Device Followed by Regenerating Body Complex AdministrationAfter 5 Weeks

A subject received a CoolSculpting fat reduction procedure on both sidesof the lower abdomen and flanks. Subject followed-up treatment with asplit abdomen regimen that included the regenerating body complex(Exemplary Formula 1M) on the subject's right side and no topicaltreatment on the patient's left side (only the procedure treatment). Thecase study photos were taken with the QuantifiCareLifeViz® Infinitycamera and software imaging system. 3D photos are displayed in thesoftware's clay mode to reveal volume and contour changes. The colorscale and volume map represent volume changes in cm³. The blue colorrepresents volume reduction and red color represents volume increase.

Results are seen in FIG. 19. FIG. 19 shows a 3D volume map results after5 weeks post-procedure. Treatment of the regenerating body complex onthe subject's right side resulted in a volume reduction of 162 cm³ ascompared to the subject's left side that received no topical treatmentresulting in a reduction of 75 cm³ (FIG. 19).

The above description presents the best mode contemplated for carryingout the present disclosure, and of the manner and process of making andusing it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable anyperson skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use thisdisclosure. This disclosure is, however, susceptible to modificationsand alternate constructions from that discussed above that are fullyequivalent. Consequently, this disclosure is not limited to theparticular embodiments disclosed. On the contrary, this disclosurecovers all modifications and alternate constructions coming within thespirit and scope of the disclosure as generally expressed by thefollowing claims, which particularly point out and distinctly claim thesubject matter of the disclosure. While the disclosure has beenillustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoingdescription, such illustration and description are to be consideredillustrative or exemplary and not restrictive.

All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety. To the extent publications and patents or patentapplications incorporated by reference contradict the disclosurecontained in the specification, the specification is intended tosupersede and/or take precedence over any such contradictory material.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) are to be given their ordinary and customary meaning to a personof ordinary skill in the art, and are not to be limited to a special orcustomized meaning unless expressly so defined herein. It should benoted that the use of particular terminology when describing certainfeatures or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply thatthe terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to includeany specific characteristics of the features or aspects of thedisclosure with which that terminology is associated. Terms and phrasesused in this application, and variations thereof, especially in theappended claims, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construedas open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing, theterm ‘including’ should be read to mean ‘including, without limitation,’‘including but not limited to,’ or the like; the term ‘comprising’ asused herein is synonymous with ‘including,’ ‘containing,’ or‘characterized by,’ and is inclusive or open-ended and does not excludeadditional, unrecited elements or method steps; the term ‘having’ shouldbe interpreted as ‘having at least;’ the term ‘includes’ should beinterpreted as ‘includes but is not limited to;’ the term ‘example’ isused to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not anexhaustive or limiting list thereof; adjectives such as ‘known’,‘normal’, ‘standard’, and terms of similar meaning should not beconstrued as limiting the item described to a given time period or to anitem available as of a given time, but instead should be read toencompass known, normal, or standard technologies that may be availableor known now or at any time in the future; and use of terms like‘preferably,’ ‘preferred,’ ‘desired,’ or ‘desirable,’ and words ofsimilar meaning should not be understood as implying that certainfeatures are critical, essential, or even important to the structure orfunction of the disclosure, but instead as merely intended to highlightalternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in aparticular embodiment of the disclosure. Likewise, a group of itemslinked with the conjunction ‘and’ should not be read as requiring thateach and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rathershould be read as ‘and/or’ unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly,a group of items linked with the conjunction ‘or’ should not be read asrequiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should be readas ‘and/or’ unless expressly stated otherwise.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the upper andlower limit, and each intervening value between the upper and lowerlimit of the range is encompassed within the embodiments.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity. The indefinite article ‘a’ or ‘an’ does not exclude aplurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions ofseveral items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measuresare recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicatethat a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Anyreference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting thescope.

It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specificnumber of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intentwill be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of suchrecitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases ‘at least one’ and ‘one or more’ to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles ‘a’ or ‘an’ limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases‘one or more’ or ‘at least one’ and indefinite articles such as ‘a’ or‘an’ (e.g., ‘a’ and/or ‘an’ should typically be interpreted to mean ‘atleast one’ or ‘one or more’); the same holds true for the use ofdefinite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, evenif a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitlyrecited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitationshould typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number(e.g., the bare recitation of ‘two recitations,’ without othermodifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or morerecitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a conventionanalogous to ‘at least one of A, B, and C, etc.’ is used, in generalsuch a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the artwould understand the convention (e.g., ‘a system having at least one ofA, B, and C’ would include but not be limited to systems that have Aalone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where aconvention analogous to ‘at least one of A, B, or C, etc.’ is used, ingeneral such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill inthe art would understand the convention (e.g., ‘a system having at leastone of A, B, or C’ would include but not be limited to systems that haveA alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be furtherunderstood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive wordand/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in thedescription, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplatethe possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms. For example, the phrase ‘A or B’ will be understood toinclude the possibilities of ‘A’ or ‘B’ or ‘A and B.’

All numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions,and so forth used in the specification are to be understood as beingmodified in all instances by the term ‘about.’ Accordingly, unlessindicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth herein areapproximations that may vary depending upon the desired propertiessought to be obtained. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limitthe application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of anyclaims in any application claiming priority to the present application,each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number ofsignificant digits and ordinary rounding approaches.

Furthermore, although the foregoing has been described in some detail byway of illustrations and examples for purposes of clarity andunderstanding, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that certainchanges and modifications may be practiced. Therefore, the descriptionand examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of thedisclosure to the specific embodiments and examples described herein,but rather to also cover all modification and alternatives coming withthe true scope and spirit of the disclosure.

NUMBERED EMBODIMENTS

Numbered embodiment 1 comprises a topical composition for improving skinlaxity or body contouring, comprising: one or more tripeptides, one ormore tetrapeptides, and one or more hexapeptides, wherein the topicalcomposition improves skin laxity or body contouring. Numbered embodiment2 comprises the topical composition of numbered embodiment 1, wherein atripeptide of the one or more tripeptides is present at 1-10 ppm.Numbered embodiment 3 comprises the topical composition of numberedembodiments 1-2, wherein a tripeptide of the one or more tripeptides istripeptide-1. Numbered embodiment 4 comprises the topical composition ofnumbered embodiments 1-3, wherein the tripeptide-1 comprises palmitoyltripeptide-1, myristoyl tripeptide-1, or a combination thereof. Numberedembodiment 5 comprises the topical composition of numbered embodiments1-4, wherein a tetrapeptide of the one or more tetrapeptides is presentat 1-10 ppm. Numbered embodiment 6 comprises the topical composition ofnumbered embodiments 1-5, wherein a tetrapeptide of the one or moretetrapeptides is tetrapeptide-2. Numbered embodiment 7 comprises thetopical composition of numbered embodiments 1-6, wherein thetetrapeptide-2 comprises acetyl tetrapeptide-2. Numbered embodiment 8comprises the topical composition of numbered embodiments 1-7, wherein afirst hexapeptide of the one or more hexapeptides is present at 0.5-10ppm. Numbered embodiment 9 comprises the topical composition of numberedembodiments 1-8, wherein a first hexapeptide of the one or morehexapeptides is hexapeptide-12. Numbered embodiment 10 comprises thetopical composition of numbered embodiments 1-9, wherein thehexapeptide-12 comprises palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, myristoylhexapeptide-12, or a combination thereof. Numbered embodiment 11comprises the topical composition of numbered embodiments 1-10, whereina second hexapeptide of the one or more hexapeptides comprises adifferent amino acid sequence. Numbered embodiment 12 comprises thetopical composition of numbered embodiments 1-11, wherein the secondhexapeptide is present at 0.001-1 ppm. Numbered embodiment 13 comprisesthe topical composition of numbered embodiments 1-12, wherein the secondhexapeptide is hexapeptide-11. Numbered embodiment 14 comprises thetopical composition of numbered embodiments 1-13, wherein the secondhexapeptide is formulated in a liposome. Numbered embodiment 15comprises the topical composition of numbered embodiments 1-14 furthercomprising ceramide NP, Tremella fuciformis extract, niacinamide,hydrogenated lecithin, C12-16 alcohols, palmitic acid, avocado extract,shea butter, bentonite, phytoene/phytofluene, hydroxymethoxyphenyldecanone, polyholosides, Plantago lanceolata, dill extract,phosphatidylserine, oleuropein, hydrolyzed Candida saitoana extract,Centella asiatica, propanediol, lecithin, Euglena gracilis extract,aqua, caffeine, Glaucium flavum leaf extract, or combinations thereof.Numbered embodiment 16 comprises a method for improving skin laxity orbody contouring, comprising: administering a topical compositioncomprising one or more tripeptides, one or more tetrapeptides, and oneor more hexapeptides, wherein the topical composition improves skinlaxity or body contouring. Numbered embodiment 17 comprises the methodof numbered embodiments 1-16, wherein the topical composition isadministered in conjunction with a body-shaping procedure. Numberedembodiment 18 comprises the method of numbered embodiments 1-17, whereinthe topical composition is administered following a body-shapingprocedure. Numbered embodiment 19 comprises the method of numberedembodiments 1-18, wherein the topical composition is administered up toone day following a body-shaping procedure. Numbered embodiment 20comprises the method of numbered embodiments 1-19, wherein thebody-shaping procedure comprises high frequency focused ultrasound,pulsed focus ultrasound, cryolipolysis, radiofrequency inducedelectroporation, injectable lipolytic agents, liposuction, orcombinations thereof. Numbered embodiment 21 comprises the method ofnumbered embodiments 1-20, wherein the topical composition isadministered in conjunction with a skin-laxity procedure. Numberedembodiment 22 comprises the method of numbered embodiments 1-21, whereinthe topical composition is administered following a skin-laxityprocedure. Numbered embodiment 23 comprises the method of numberedembodiments 1-22, wherein the topical composition is administered up toone day following a skin-laxity procedure. Numbered embodiment 24comprises the method of numbered embodiments 1-23, wherein theskin-laxity procedure comprises high frequency focused ultrasound,pulsed focus ultrasound, radiofrequency induced electroporation, orcombinations thereof. Numbered embodiment 25 comprises the method ofnumbered embodiments 1-24, wherein the topical composition isadministered in conjunction with a non-invasive fat reduction procedure.Numbered embodiment 26 comprises the method of numbered embodiments1-25, wherein the topical composition is administered following anon-invasive fat reduction procedure. Numbered embodiment 27 comprisesthe method of numbered embodiments 1-26, wherein the non-invasive fatreduction procedure comprises low level laser therapy, infrared light,ultrasound, radiofrequency, cryolipolysis, or combinations thereof.Numbered embodiment 28 comprises the method of numbered embodiments1-27, wherein the topical composition is administered one, two three,four, five, or six times a day. Numbered embodiment 29 comprises themethod of numbered embodiments 1-28, wherein the topical composition isadministered two times a day. Numbered embodiment 30 comprises themethod of numbered embodiments 1-29, wherein the topical composition isadministered for at least one week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, or 12weeks. Numbered embodiment 31 comprises the method of numberedembodiments 1-30, wherein a tripeptide of the one or more tripeptides ispresent at 1-10 ppm. Numbered embodiment 32 comprises the method ofnumbered embodiments 1-31, wherein a tripeptide of the one or moretripeptides is tripeptide-1. Numbered embodiment 33 comprises the methodof numbered embodiments 1-32, wherein the tripeptide-1 comprisespalmitoyl tripeptide-1, myristoyl tripeptide-1, or a combinationthereof. Numbered embodiment 34 comprises the method of numberedembodiments 1-33, wherein a tetrapeptide of the one or moretetrapeptides is present at 1-10 ppm. Numbered embodiment 35 comprisesthe method of numbered embodiments 1-34, wherein a tetrapeptide of theone or more tetrapeptides is tetrapeptide-2. Numbered embodiment 36comprises the method of numbered embodiments 1-35, wherein thetetrapeptide-2 comprises acetyl tetrapeptide-2. Numbered embodiment 37comprises the method of numbered embodiments 1-36, wherein a firsthexapeptide of the one or more hexapeptides is present at 0.5-10 ppm.Numbered embodiment 38 comprises the method of numbered embodiments1-37, wherein a first hexapeptide of the one or more hexapeptideshexapeptide is hexapeptide-12. Numbered embodiment 39 comprises themethod of numbered embodiments 1-38, wherein the hexapeptide-12comprises palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, myristoyl hexapeptide-12, or acombination thereof. Numbered embodiment 40 comprises the method ofnumbered embodiments 1-39, wherein a second hexapeptide of the one ormore hexapeptides comprises a different amino acid sequence. Numberedembodiment 41 comprises the method of numbered embodiments 1-40, whereinthe second hexapeptide is present at 0.001-1 ppm. Numbered embodiment 42comprises the method of numbered embodiments 1-41, wherein the secondhexapeptide is hexapeptide-11. Numbered embodiment 43 comprises themethod of numbered embodiments 1-42, wherein the second hexapeptide isformulated in a liposome. Numbered embodiment 44 comprises the method ofnumbered embodiments 1-43, wherein the topical composition furthercomprises ceramide NP, Tremella fuciformis extract, niacinamide,hydrogenated lecithin, C12-16 alcohols, palmitic acid, avocado extract,shea butter, bentonite, phytoene/phytofluene, hydroxymethoxyphenyldecanone, polyholosides, Plantago lanceolata, dill extract,phosphatidylserine, oleuropein, hydrolyzed Candida saitoana extract,Centella asiatica, propanediol, lecithin, Euglena gracilis extract,aqua, caffeine, Glaucium flavum leaf extract, or combinations thereof.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for improving skin laxity,texture, or crepiness, or for improving body contouring, comprising:administering a topical composition comprising: a tripeptide-1, ahexapeptide-11, a hexapeptide-12, wherein the topical compositionimproves skin laxity, texture, or crepiness or body contouring.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the topical composition is administered inconjunction with a body-shaping procedure or following a body-shapingprocedure.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the topical composition isadministered up to one day following a body-shaping procedure.
 4. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the body-shaping procedure comprises highfrequency focused ultrasound, pulsed focus ultrasound, cryolipolysis,radiofrequency induced electroporation, injectable lipolytic agents,liposuction, a surgical body contouring procedure, or combinationsthereof.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the topical composition isadministered one, two, three, four, five, or six times a day.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the topical composition is administered forat least one week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, or 12 weeks.
 7. The methodof claim 1, wherein the tripeptide 1 is present at 1-10 ppm.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein further comprising a tetrapeptide.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the hexapeptide-11 is present at about 0.001%to about 6% by weight.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein thehexapeptide-12 is present at about 0.5-10 ppm.
 11. The method of claim1, wherein the topical composition further comprises one or moreadditional ingredients selected from the group consisting of ceramideNP, Tremella fuciformis extract, niacinamide, hydrogenated lecithin,C12-16 alcohols, palmitic acid, avocado extract, shea butter, bentonite,phytoene/phytofluene, hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone, polyholosides,Plantago lanceolata, dill extract, phosphatidylserine, oleuropein,hydrolyzed Candida saitoana extract, Centella asiatica, propanediol,lecithin, Euglena gracilis extract, aqua, caffeine, Glaucium flavum leafextract, or combinations thereof.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein thehexapeptide-11 is present at about 0.002% to about 4% by weight.
 13. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the hexapeptide-11 is present at about 0.005%to about 0.02% by weight.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the topicalcomposition is administered in conjunction with a non-invasivebody-shaping procedure or following a non-invasive body-shapingprocedure.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the topical composition isadministered up to 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 1 week, 2weeks, 3 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, or 6months following a body-shaping procedure.
 16. The method of claim 8,wherein the tetrapeptide is tetrapeptide-2.
 17. The method of claim 8,wherein the tetrapeptide is present at 1-10 ppm.